MI vs KKR: Rohit Sharma upset about playing under Hardik Pandya? India skipper breaks silence on captaincy transition

Team India captain Rohit Sharma admitted the challenges of losing the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians (MI) to Hardik Pandya just before the start of the ongoing IPL 2024. However, Rohit said that everything can’t “go your way,” and playing under someone else isn’t a new thing to him.

Well, the sudden transition stirred emotions for Rohit, leaving many fans and cricket experts surprised and disappointed, with some fans even expressing their discontent by booing the new Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik in the initial matches of this IPL season.

This significant shift in MI's leadership has been an unexpected journey for both Rohit and Hardik. Despite the challenges, the former MI skipper stressed that the experience has been valuable. However, he reassured that this transition and playing under Hardik would not disrupt his rhythm.

Not everything will go your way: Rohit Sharma

As quoted by India Today, Rohit Sharma said during a media interaction regarding his stint playing under Hardik Pandya for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing IPL 2024: “It's part of life. Not everything will go your way. It has been a great experience.”

Speculation regarding Rohit's relationship with Hardik and MI's handling of the leadership issue has been rife, particularly given the Indian skipper’s illustrious captaincy record of winning five IPL titles for MI. Despite the whispers, Rohit maintained his composed demeanor, saying that playing under Pandya is like playing under any other captain.

Reflecting on his cricketing career, Rohit highlighted his adaptability, having the experience of playing under the likes of MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, and Virat Kohli for India, along with other prominent leaders like Adam Gilchrist, Harbhajan Singh, and Ricky Ponting in franchise cricket.

Playing under Hardik Pandya nothing new to me: Rohit Sharma

Rohit, who is set to lead the Men in Blue in the T20 World Cup 2024, stated: “Before, I have not been captain, and I have played under a lot of captains. It is no different or new to me.” The 37-year-old opener was criticized for his poor form with the bat in the previous three IPL seasons, but he is looking in good touch in the ongoing IPL 2024, where he has so far scored 314 runs in 10 innings.

Rohit said the same: “Whatever is there, you go by it, and then try and do what is required of you as a player. I have only tried to do that in the last month or so.” He will be seen in action on Friday, May 3, when Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Match No.51 in the ongoing IPL 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Recently, Wasim Jaffer said that Rohit’s struggles against left-arm spinners in the ongoing IPL 2024 due to his front leg placement, making it challenging for him to handle deliveries angling into him. The left-armers pose a unique challenge to Rohit with their angle, as the MI opener failed to score double-digit score in his last three outings in the ongoing tournament.