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WATCH: Fan burns Mumbai Indians’ jersey after Hardik Pandya replaces Rohit Sharma as new captain
Many hearts were shattered on Thursday, December 15 as Mumbai Indians, 5-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, declared star all-rounder Hardik Pandya their new captain for the upcoming 17th edition, replacing the highly successful Rohit Sharma. Devoted fans, who followed the franchise for Rohit’s stellar captaincy, were disheartened.
The right-handed batter leaves behind a legacy as one of the most successful captains, securing 5 IPL trophies in just 8 years. Adding to the disappointment, a video circulating on social media captures a fan burning the MI jersey in response to the unexpected announcement.
Watch the video here:
A Rohit Sharma fan burns the Mumbai Indians jersey. pic.twitter.com/WItos5hL4H
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 16, 2023
Hardik Pandya was traded to MI from GT
MI’s Global Head of Performance and former Sri Lankan legendary cricketer Mahela Jayawardene talked about the announcement and said embracing legacy and future-readiness, Mumbai Indians appoint Hardik Pandya as captain for IPL 2024, following a tradition of exceptional leadership.
“It is part of legacy building and staying true to the MI philosophy of being future-ready. Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership right from Sachin to Harbhajan and Ricky to Rohit, who while contributing to the immediate success have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future. It is in keeping with this philosophy that Hardik Pandya will assume captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season,” Jayawardene was quoted as saying by India Today.
After a two-year stint captaining Gujarat Titans (GT), Hardik Pandya makes a return to MI, where he initially debuted in the IPL. Leading GT to victory in their inaugural season, Pandya secured the IPL title in 2022 by defeating Rajasthan Royals in the final. In a standout performance, he earned the Player of the Match title for taking 3 wickets and contributing 34 runs with the bat. Pandya continued his successful leadership in 2023, guiding the team to the final once again, but they narrowly lost to MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling last-ball encounter.
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Mohammad Rizwan Faces Backlash for Underwhelming Knock in Pakistan’s Loss to South Africa
Mohammad Rizwan has come under heavy fire for his performance during Pakistan’s loss to South Africa in a high-stakes match. Critics described his innings as lackluster, accusing him of playing a “shameless” and “criminal” knock that failed to meet the demands of the situation. His inability to accelerate scoring when required drew ire from fans and analysts alike, with many questioning his intent and decision-making under pressure.
While Rizwan’s cautious approach ensured some stability, it proved inadequate against South Africa’s aggressive game plan. His inability to shift gears in critical moments ultimately hurt Pakistan’s chances, and his performance sparked a broader debate about his role and strategy in the team’s batting order. Some commentators were particularly scathing, questioning how Rizwan could reflect on his effort given the circumstances.
The incident has added to the scrutiny of Pakistan’s overall performance in the tournament, with many demanding better strategies and execution from key players. Rizwan, regarded as a pivotal figure in the lineup, now faces the challenge of responding to the criticism and delivering under pressure in future matches.
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Karnali Strengthen Playoff Aspirations; Lumbini Break Winless Streak
The Nepal Premier League (NPL) witnessed dramatic turnarounds as Karnali Yaks secured their third consecutive victory and Lumbini Lions registered their maiden win. Karnali cruised to a seven-wicket win over Pokhara Avengers, powered by William Bosisto’s brilliant bowling performance, claiming 6 wickets for 28 runs. This victory places the Yaks in a strong position for playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Lumbini Lions finally ended their winless run by defeating Chitwan Rhinos by 33 runs. Rohit Paudel starred with an outstanding all-round performance, scoring 80 runs and taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs. The Lions’ bowlers complemented Paudel’s efforts, restricting the Rhinos and ensuring a much-needed morale boost.
Both results have shaken up the league standings as the tournament heads toward a tense conclusion. With Karnali firming their playoff prospects and Lumbini gaining momentum, fans can expect high-intensity action in the upcoming matches.
BGT
Andy Roberts Declares Mohammed Shami as India’s Best Bowler
West Indies cricket legend Andy Roberts has lauded Mohammed Shami as India’s most skilled pacer, emphasizing his superiority in effectiveness and consistency over others, including Jasprit Bumrah. While acknowledging Bumrah’s ability to claim crucial wickets, Roberts expressed that Shami’s control, seam positioning, and adaptability under diverse conditions set him apart.
Roberts critiqued Mohammed Siraj, stating he has yet to reach the same level as Bumrah and Shami. He highlighted that Shami’s ability to relentlessly hit good lengths and extract movement makes him India’s standout bowler. He urged Indian cricket to focus more on nurturing such talent for long-term success in international cricket.
Roberts’ observations offer a fresh perspective on India’s pace attack dynamics, sparking debates among cricket fans worldwide.
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