"Spotlight should be on Karn Sharma and Hardik Pandya, not Rohit Sharma"- Virat Kohli's private coach

Former Indian cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar weren't happy that Rohit Sharma was getting all the praise and credit instead of Hardik Pandya for the Mumbai Indians’ thrilling 12-run victory over the Delhi Capitals in the 29th game of the ongoing IPL 2025 on April 13.

Commentators Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar felt it was unfair that Rohit Sharma is making the headlines for the tactical change, as it was Hardik Pandya who gave the order and Karn Sharma who executed things, so the duo deserves much more applause for the Mumbai Indians’ victory.

Rohit Sharma, who was replaced by Karn Sharma as an Impact Player in the second innings, was seen having some discussion with Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach Paras Mhambrey.

He then passed the message to head coach Mahela Jayawardene, who finally asked captain Hardik Pandya to bring Karn into the attack with the new ball, and it did wonders for them.

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Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar slam Rohit Sharma hype, praise Hardik Pandya’s captaincy

In the ongoing season, the bowling sides have the luxury to change the ball after 10 overs to deal with the dew in night matches, and Rohit Sharma made sure MI got the benefit of the rule. With the second ball, Karn first removed Naman Dhir and then KL Rahul in the next over in Delhi.

This completely changed the momentum before three back-to-back runouts ensured MI’s 12-run win over DC in the IPL 2025.

As soon as Mumbai ended Delhi’s winning streak in the ongoing season, fans started singing praise for Rohit and demanding his return as captain.

Rohit Sharma has been trending on social media as the Hitman is getting the full credit for MI’s win over DC for his tactical change, as he was earlier made only 18 runs off 12 in the match.

However, Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar raised a valid point and called for what Hardik deserves as captain.

Spotlight should really be on Karn Sharma and Hardik Pandya: Sanjay Bangar

Sanjay Bangar said during the discussion on Star Sports, “Yes, Rohit played a part in the victory, but the spotlight should really be on Karn Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Karn is the one who executed the plan, and Hardik was the guy giving the orders.”

Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar said during the same discussion after Bangar shared his views, “There are many people who are there to give suggestions, but it all depends on the person in the middle who has to take the decision. He (Hardik) listened to the advice (from Rohit) is the biggest thing. If you give Rohit credit here as well and not Hardik Pandya, it would be the wrong thing. If the suggestion had failed, you would've blamed Hardik.”

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The entire credit for this victory should go to Hardik Pandya: Sanjay Manjrekar

Manjrekar added, “It's quite easy to give suggestions from outside. The entire credit for this victory should go to Hardik Pandya. Considering how emotional he has been (over Mumbai's recent results), it was an important win for him.

It has been quite a difficult journey for him. It would be wrong if social media and others say that the Mumbai Indians won because of Rohit Sharma's suggestions. Hardik Pandya is the captain, and he is the one taking decisions, no matter who is giving suggestions.”

Eski bhadve Gand kyu jal rahi ?

rohit ki tarif sun nahi sakta isliye har bar ki Tarah aaj bhi commentry me ro raha he 🤣😭

ye vahi hena behave vala ?pic.twitter.com/JyYhQRJpiL

— 𝐈c͟o͟n͟i͟c͟ Selfless⁴⁵ (@ft_Mahesh) April 13, 2025