Mumbai Indians’ Heartfelt Message to Rohit Sharma: ‘You Asked Us To…’ Following the Appointment of Hardik Pandya as Captain

In a surprising move, Mumbai Indians (MI) announced on Friday that Hardik Pandya would lead the team in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, taking over from the highly successful Rohit Sharma. Rohit had captained MI to five IPL titles, establishing the franchise as one of the most successful alongside Chennai Super Kings.

The decision to name Hardik Pandya as captain came after his recent return to MI from the Gujarat Titans in a high-profile trade. Mumbai Indians, in a statement, expressed gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his exceptional leadership since 2013, citing the change as part of their future planning.

What MI wrote to Rohit Sharma?

“Ro,

In 2013 you took over as captain of MI. You asked us to Believe. In victories & defeats, you asked us to Smile. 10 years & 6 trophies later, here we are. Our forever captain your legacy will be etched in Blue & Gold. Thank you, Captain RO,” wrote MI on X, formerly Twitter.

Ro,
In 2013 you took over as captain of MI. You asked us to 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞. In victories & defeats, you asked us to 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦. 10 years & 6 trophies later, here we are. Our 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧, your legacy will be etched in Blue & Gold. Thank you, 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐎💙 pic.twitter.com/KDIPCkIVop

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) December 15, 2023

Rohit Sharma, who recently led India to the ODI World Cup final, had been at the helm of MI since their first IPL victory in 2013. Under his leadership, MI secured titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. The franchise thanked Rohit for his exemplary service and Mahela Jayawardene, MI’s Global Head of Performance, acknowledged Rohit as one of the finest captains in IPL history.

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The shift in leadership prompts speculation about Rohit’s future in the T20 format, especially after India’s ODI World Cup campaign. While another ODI World Cup appearance seems uncertain, there’s speculation about Rohit potentially returning to lead India in the T20 World Cup in six months. Notably, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not played for India in the T20 format since the World Cup semifinal exit in Australia last year.