PBKS vs MI: "Mumbai Indians' captain was stagnant for the last 10 years.."- Rohit Sharma speaks for the 1st time

Former Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma shared his views on the current MI team, as they are struggling to get the desired results in the ongoing IPL 2024. Ahead of the ongoing season, Rohit was removed from the captaincy, and Hardik Pandya was named Mumbai Indians (MI) new skipper.

However, Hardik Pandya has not yet made an impact as the MI skipper in the ongoing IPL 2024, but the five-time IPL-wining skipper stressed that it is the nature of the franchise to get slow starts in the league and that it takes some time to get positive results when you have new teams and leaders.

The Indian skipper also reflected on the journey of the Mumbai Indians (MI) over the years, stressing the importance of adapting and aligning with new players' strengths and strategies. He also admitted the challenge of uniting diverse talents into a unit and getting the best out of them as a skipper.

This has been the story of Mumbai Indians that..: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma said on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast: “Yeah, look, I mean, all these years, actually, this has been the story of Mumbai Indians where we started pretty slow at the start and then things start to change. That's, I guess, it's got to do with, you know, when you have new players in your squad, it's just about, you know, because the captain for the last 10 years was stagnant. The coaches have changed for a few years, but the captain has been stagnant.

And I actually went with some kind of thought process. And I wanted to know from, you know, the people who come in, I wanted to get them into my thought process, because I know how IPL works and what it needs to be a successful team. So, it takes time to get everyone on board and try and make them do something that they are not used to doing.”

Rohit discussed the dynamics of managing players and strategies, particularly in the context of the Wankhede Stadium. He highlighted the importance of understanding the unique conditions of the venue and adapting accordingly.

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Citing examples from his tenure as captain, Sharma highlighted the need to tailor bowling strategies to suit the pitch, citing the contrasting styles of players like Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga.

As Johnson preferred aggressive, short-pitched deliveries, Rohit recognized the need to pitch fuller to optimize swing at Wankhede, while Malinga's unorthodox bowling style required minimal intervention, as his natural talent consistently delivered results.

Rohit Sharma shares how led the MI over the years

Rohit added, “For example, there have been so many cricketers, overseas players, local players who have come into the team. And I know Wankhede Stadium because I have played there, I have grown up there. So, I know what works there, what you need to do. We had a lot of overseas players and domestic players.

And my process was to just get them on my thinking and what I think is the best. And obviously, hear them out what they want to do as well. And then, try and somehow find a balance between a captain and a player. So, that's been the big challenge of IPL.”

In the end, the former MI skipper expressed gratitude for the collective effort when he was captain. He acknowledged the support of his coaching staff, including Ricky Ponting, Mahela Jayawardene, and Mark Boucher.

The former MI skipper said that the collective responsibility in decision-making and strategy takes the team to success. He said that they have been all good, and it has been quite supportive of them and Hardik also has that support.

Rohit Sharma on today's Mumbai Indians.

I think he have no plans for leaving this franchise 💔 pic.twitter.com/WumhPI4dqk

— Aryan 🇮🇳 (@Iconic_Hitman) April 18, 2024