WATCH: Mumbai Indians post heartfelt tribute to Rohit Sharma after naming Hardik Pandya as skipper

Rohit Sharma’s era as the skipper of Mumbai Indians came to an end on Friday. The five-time champion side named Hardik Pandya as the new skipper of the side. This move caught many Mumbai Indians fans off-guard and they certainly were not happy with the decision.

Under Rohit Sharma, the men in blue and gold had become an IPL mega power. The 36-year-old led the side to five IPL title wins and one Champions League title in 2011. It was under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy that Hardik Pandya made his IPL Debut.

The 30-year-old is now back in Mumbai after a successful trade to get Hardik Pandya back to the Wankhede Stadium. Many fans are wondering if this is the start of the process to phase out Rohit Sharma. Others were left wondering if Hardik Pandya will also skipper India during the 2024 ODI World Cup in June.

Mumbai Indians touching tribute for Rohit Sharma –

IPL powerhouse team Mumbai Indians posted a heartfelt video for Rohit Sharma. The 36-year-old was replaced as the skipper by Hardik Pandya. The short video captures the very essence of what Rohit Sharma means to the Mumbai Indians franchise on the whole.

The 69-second video captured Rohit Sharma in various moods as the skipper of the side. His interaction with his players be they senior or junior and his playful side. The video then showcases various title-winning moments with his team in the previous years.

Mumbai haven’t won the IPL since 2020 when they beat Delhi Capitals in the final in Dubai. The last three years have been a struggle for the men in blue and gold. During IPL 2023 Rohit Sharma and his team lost to Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans in the 2^nd Play-off game in Ahmedabad.

Former Mumbai Indians head coach and Sri Lankan great Mahela Jayawardene spoke glowingly about Rohit Sharma. The Lankan legend praised the 36-year-old for all that he had achieved with the team and for moulding it into a title-winning behemoth.

Hardik Pandya will assume the role of captaincy and hopes to continue the legacy that was created by Rohit Sharma. The 30-year-old led Gujarat Titans to a title win in their debut season in IPL 2022 beating Rajasthan Royals in the final.