Mumbai Indians dropped an emotional note for Rohit Sharma after Hardik Pandya replaced him as the skipper of the franchise ahead of the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Back in 2013, Rohit took over from Ricky Ponting as the captain of the team. Before 2013, MI struggled to find their feet in the tournament, but after Rohit took charge, their fortunes turned for the better.
In 2013 itself, MI won their maiden IPL title. Thereafter, in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, Mumbai Indians won the titles to become the most successful team in the history of the IPL. It was only last season that MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won their fifth title and equalled Rohit’s record.
MI paid tribute to Rohit by posting a video where the veteran can be seen in heartfelt moments with the franchise over the last 10 years or so.
“Ro, In 2013 you took over as captain of MI. You asked us to Believe. In victories and 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.
Rohit also won the IPL title when he was with the Deccan Chargers, where he played under the leadership of the legendary Adam Gilchrist.
As far as Hardik is concerned, he left ahead of IPL 2022 and guided Gujarat Titans to their maiden title. Thereafter, he captained them to the final of the next IPL edition where Mumbai Indians defeated them at the Narendra Modi Stadium.