'Rohit is Already 36...': Former Indian Skipper Explains Why Handing Captaincy to Hardik Pandya Will 'Benefit MI'

For the first time since 2013, Mumbai Indians will enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) under the leadership of a new captain. A couple of months ago, the franchise sealed a historic all-cash trade by roping in all-rounder Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans (GT) before the players’ auction and named Rohit Sharma’s successor. The move left fans and experts divided on opinion. However, former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said the change in leadership will bring massive success to the 5-time champions.

Pandya returned to MI after guiding GT for back-to-back season finales. He led his team to a maiden title win in the debut season. The following year, in 2023, the Titans faced Chennai Super Kings in the final but lost the game by 5 wickets (D/L method).

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar said the Mumbai-based franchise made a far-sighted move, keeping the team’s future in mind. He further highlighted the age factor with Rohit Sharma and added that the 36-year-old would play with more freedom.

“Look they have always thought about the future of the franchise. Rohit Sharma is already 36 years old and also faces immense pressure being the captain of India for all three formats. They have tried to reduce some of that burden and give that responsibility on the young shoulders of Hardik Pandya,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

“Handing Hardik the captaincy is only going to benefit the Mumbai Indians. They have now given the freedom to Rohit to go and express himself freely at the top of the order. Hardik can then come at No.3 or No.5 and help them post totals of 200-plus consistently,” he added.

Rohit has had a phenomenal record leading MI for 10 years. Under his leadership, the team has won 87 games and recorded defeats in 67 matches. He is also one of the top run-scorers in the tournament history. In 243 matches (for MI and Deccan Chargers combined), Rohit has scored 6211 runs at a staggering strike rate of 130.04. He has 42 half-centuries and a hundred to his credit.