The decision to remove Rohit Sharma as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Former Indian batsman Suresh Raina, known for his explosive middle-order batting, has joined the chorus of criticism against the MI management’s move. Raina, in a candid interview with Lallantop, minced no words in expressing his disapproval of the decision and the subsequent negative impact on Hardik Pandya, the new captain.

“I don’t know why he [Rohit Sharma] was removed as captain,” Raina stated bluntly. He acknowledged that MI has recently secured a victory, but his stance remained firm: “To be very honest, I feel Rohit should’ve remained as Mumbai Indians captain.” Raina’s viewpoint aligns with the sentiments of many fans who believe Rohit’s experience and proven leadership qualities were invaluable assets to the team.

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He further speculated on the reasoning behind the decision, suggesting, “But I think, the management is looking to have a leader who is younger. Rohit, I think is now 36 or 37.” This raises questions about the franchise’s long-term vision and whether experience was deemed less important than promoting a younger leader.

While Suresh Raina acknowledged the logic behind promoting younger talent, he also expressed concerns about the potential for a reversal if MI’s performance falters.

“I agree, that is what even I asked. I am not sure what the management thought. This is still the start of the IPL. Only time will tell if this decision was right or not. If MI fail in 3-4 more matches, Rohit could be re-appointed as captain,” Suresh Raina predicted.

This statement highlights the precarious situation MI finds itself in, with the captaincy change potentially acting as a double-edged sword. However, the most concerning aspect of the situation, according to Raina, is the negative reaction from fans directed towards Hardik Pandya, the new captain.

“This is not right. Saying such things about him, his family isn’t correct,” Suresh Raina said emphatically. He acknowledged the freedom of expression that fans possess but implored them to maintain a sense of decency. “But, you can’t do much, everyone has the right to say things. You have to learn to avoid it,” he advised players like Hardik who are facing the brunt of this unexpected leadership shift.

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Currently, MI sits in sixth place on the IPL 2024 points table with three wins in seven matches. While their recent victory offers some hope, the question remains: will this be enough to silence the critics and provide Hardik Pandya with the support he needs to lead the team forward? Only time will tell if the management’s gamble on a younger leader pays off, or if they are forced to reconsider their decision and reinstate Rohit Sharma at the helm.