In three games, three losses. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Hardik Pandya has a long way to go before he can persuade the supporters of the Mumbai Indians (MI) that he is the best player to replace Rohit Sharma. All-rounder Hardik has been the target of taunting supporters at the Wankhede Stadium ever since he teamed up with India captain Rohit at the Mumbai Indians for the next season. Some of these fans have even refused to express their support for their new leader.
In MI's opening home game of the IPL 2024 against the reigning champion Rajasthan Royals (RR), Pandya was jeered, ensuring that there would be no easing of the animosity from the crowd. In addition to the nasty welcome that Hardik had from the MI supporters, the fans also chanted "Rohit-Rohit" across the Wankhede Stadium in protest of the guards' rotation. Although the story of MI's captaincy has received a lot of attention, former Indian bowler Shanthakumaran Nair Sreesanth believes Rohit would enjoy having more freedom to play for Mumbai this season under Pandya's guidance.
According to Sreesanth the World witnessed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, the god of cricket, compete under MS Dhoni. Many stories have been published about Rohit Sharma playing for Hardik Pandya, the new captain. However, Rohit would want to play freely, to the best of his knowledge, he(Rohit) would prefer to bat freely without the responsibility of captain, and he may even win the Orange Cap. Sreesanth said he's going to enjoy a fantastic season. Sreesanth informed Rohit had led the Mumbai Indians from the front, but he is confident that Rohit would lead them from the rear. Rohit will be the same for whichever franchisee he plays, he concluded.