Mumbai Indians (MI) set off a firestorm on social media as they announced the removal of Rohit Sharma from the captaincy, naming Hardik Pandya as the skipper for the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The unexpected decision announced on the official Instagram account of the Mumbai Indians has triggered a wave of discontent among his cricket fans.
The revelation comes merely two weeks after Mumbai Indians successfully orchestrated a high-profile move to bring Hardik Pandya back into their ranks from the Gujarat Titans.
Pandya had spent two seasons with the Titans, leading them to a debut title in 2022. At first, Pandya’s return was seen as a long-term, strategic move to establish him as Rohit Sharma’s successor as captain.
Many others were taken aback by the decision’s suddenness, though. Although supporters expected Rohit Sharma to lead the team going forward, they are confused by the management’s decision to promote Pandya to leadership earlier than expected.
Rohit Sharma has an illustrious captaincy record, guiding the team to five IPL titles and a Champions League T20 crown.
Notably, his leadership prowess was highlighted by an impeccable 100% win record in IPL finals. The announcement marks the end of an era.
In response to the surprising move, a hashtag, ‘Shame on MI,’ began trending on social media platform X.
Netizens expressed their disappointment, questioning the reason behind such a significant shift in leadership. Check fans reaction:
If not Rohit Sharma then one among these two deserved the captaincy of Mumbai Indians. Their loyalty went in vain ,feel for Surya kumar yadav and jasprit bumrah 💔🥺.#shameonmumbaiindians #ShameOnMI pic.twitter.com/wOWzUYVhXD
— 𝙲𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖓𝖆 𝟒𝟓 🇮🇳 (@LVR_HYPER45) December 16, 2023
If not Rohit Sharma then one among these two deserved the captaincy of Mumbai Indians. Their loyalty went in vain ,feel for Surya kumar yadav and jasprit bumrah 💔🥺.#shameonmumbaiindians #ShameOnMI pic.twitter.com/wOWzUYVhXD
— 𝙲𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖓𝖆 𝟒𝟓 🇮🇳 (@LVR_HYPER45) December 16, 2023
Suryakumar Yadav lastest Instagram Story💔
— RoMan (@SkyXRohit1) December 16, 2023
It hurts when you give your more than 100% but you get Nothing in back😭😭
Respect for Rohit Sharma & SKY++++++#RohitSharma#SuryakumarYadav #ShameOnMI #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/NliplhIwmf
Supported this franchise for 12 years(2011-2023)
— Tanish Singh (@tanishsingh0508) December 15, 2023
Followed every match passionately,prayed for wins, cried happy tears when they won 17 and 19 final,cried at 2018 elimination was so connected to them
Never thought this day will come💔💔#abhiya #ShameOnMI #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/shMNslmInT
I M ALREADY BROKEN 💔 #RohitSharma#MumbaiIndians #RohitSharma𓃵#HardikPandya #ShameOnMI#Ambani #BCCI #IPL2024pic.twitter.com/fA8EeugW4j
— Ajmul Cap (@AjmulCap2) December 15, 2023
Now every IPL lover will be eyeing IPL Auction 2024, which is scheduled for December 19, 2023, at Dubai’s Coac-Cola Arena.
The fallout from Mumbai Indians’ captaincy decision adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming auction, with fans eagerly anticipating how the franchise will navigate the bidding process and rebuild the team under Hardik Pandya’s leadership.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Unfollows Mumbai Indians on Instagram, Released From MI Jasprit Bumrah? Details Here