The unexpected appointment of Hardik Pandya as the new captain for the 2024 season put the Mumbai Indians, one of the most renowned teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), in the centre of social media.
The unexpected captaincy reshuffle, which saw the iconic Rohit Sharma stepping down, led to a staggering loss of followers across various social media platforms, marking what some are now calling the ‘Rohit Sharma Effect.’
Within an hour of the official announcement on December 15, Mumbai Indians faced a massive leaving on Twitter, losing a whopping 400,000 followers.
The impact extended to Instagram, where the franchise experienced a dip of 1.5 lakh followers. Reports also suggest that the franchise lost around 4 lakh followers on X (formerly known as Twitter), painting a picture of a fan base in turmoil.
The recorded number of Twitter followers, standing at 8.6 million before the announcement, plummeted to 8.2 million now.
This unexpected decline on social media platforms has led to widespread speculation about the visible discontent among Mumbai Indians’ fanbase, with many expressing their disappointment and confusion over the abrupt change in leadership.
Rohit Sharma, a seasoned campaigner and the face of Mumbai Indians for over a decade, had captained the team since 2013, securing an unparalleled five IPL titles during his tenure.
His captaincy record of 91 wins in 163 matches showcased a remarkable success rate, making him one of the most successful leaders in IPL history.
The ‘Rohit Sharma Effect’ is not just limited to social media metrics but symbolises a broader sentiment of attachment and loyalty that fans developed during Sharma’s captaincy era.
The announcement of Hardik Pandya as the new captain marked the end of an era, and fans are grappling with the unexpected departure of their beloved ‘Hitman’ from the leadership role.
As the franchise braces for a new chapter under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, the social media fallout serves as an early indication of the challenges ahead.
The IPL 2024 season now carries added significance, not just for the on-field dynamics but also for how the team manages to navigate the aftermath of the ‘Rohit Sharma Effect’ and rebuild its fanbase in the post-Rohit era.
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