The Mumbai Indians’ 2025 IPL campaign continues to be marred by inconsistency and unrest. Their recent defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium has once again raised serious questions about the team’s leadership dynamics. With just one win in five games, MI find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the points table, and the debate around Hardik Pandya’s captaincy — and Rohit Sharma’s role — is intensifying with every passing match.
On ESPNcricinfo’s Timeout show, things got a little fiery as former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar and six-time IPL champion Ambati Rayudu locked horns over the leadership equation in the MI camp. Bangar suggested that Rohit Sharma’s limited on-field involvement — being used only as an Impact Player — might be hurting the team tactically. He hinted that Rohit’s experience and instincts could’ve been invaluable in guiding Hardik Pandya during tense moments.
“I think the absence of Rohit on the field is affecting MI from a leadership standpoint. He could offer timely inputs to Hardik during crunch phases,” Sanjay Bangar pointed out.
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But Rayudu was quick to dismiss the idea, arguing that constant advice from the sidelines could undermine a captain’s authority. “A captain must be allowed to lead in his own way. Hardik doesn’t need someone in his ear all the time. Just like Rohit is left alone when he captains India, Hardik too deserves that space,” Rayudu countered.
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The exchange didn’t stop there. Bangar took a veiled jab at Rayudu, implying he may not fully grasp leadership nuances, saying, “You never captained an IPL team, if I remember right. But here’s a guy who’s led MI to five titles.” Rayudu, however, stood his ground. “That may be, Sanjay Bhai, but Rohit is not the captain anymore. This is Hardik’s team now. Rohit’s inputs, if needed, can be passed on via the substitute or even a message. But tactically, it’s Hardik’s call now.”
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While Rohit Sharma’s leadership legacy is unquestionable, Hardik Pandya’s tenure as MI skipper hasn’t been as smooth. In 19 matches across two seasons, he has managed just five wins, translating to a win percentage of 35.71%. This pales in comparison to his stint with Gujarat Titans, where he led the side to an IPL title in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023.
As the pressure builds and the Mumbai Indians search for answers, the team’s leadership structure remains a focal point of scrutiny — and unless performances improve soon, this debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
