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‘No Chance’ - Irfan Pathan On Hardik Pandya’s Chances To Lead MI In IPL 2024

image-lpgo8dzkRohit Sharma (L) and Hardik Pandya (R). (AP)

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who recently criticized Hardik Pandya's decision to leave Gujarat Titans, has now said that Pandya won't become the Mumbai Indians captain until Rohit Sharma remains an active player.

Despite speculation about Pandya's move to MI, he was retained by Gujarat Titans, but BCCI officials later confirmed MI's acquisition of Pandya in an all-cash deal worth INR 15 crore for IPL 2024.

Pandya, who originally joined Mumbai Indians in 2015 for INR 10 lakh and contributed to four title-winning campaigns, has made a notable switch from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2024 season. This marks his return to Mumbai Indians after leading Gujarat Titans to their first IPL championship in 2022 and reaching the finals again in 2023.

Facing financial constraints with only Rs 15.25 crore left after player retention, Mumbai Indians had to make a tough decision, potentially trading away Cameron Green, who performed exceptionally well in the 2023 IPL.

Pathan affirmed that Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the Mumbai Indians, emphasizing that there is no possibility of Pandya assuming the captaincy as long as Rohit remains an active player.

The ex-India all-rounder highlighted that MI boast several all-rounders, and Pandya's role is not envisioned to fortify that department.

Furthermore, Pathan suggested that Mumbai Indians are strategically planning for the future, seeking a player who can seamlessly take over the captain's responsibilities once Rohit Sharma decides to retire from the tournament.

“Rohit Sharma is a giant at Mumbai Indians, leading them to five IPL titles. He will be their captain till he is active, and there is no chance for Hardik to lead the Mumbai-based franchise. Mumbai Indians have many all-rounders, and Hardik is not returning to strengthen that spot. Mumbai are thinking about the future and wants a player who can take up the captain’s armband once Rohit retires from the tournament,”  Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.

Pathan's comments came in response to speculations surrounding Pandya's potential return to MI as the new skipper, replacing Rohit. 

Considering Rohit Sharma's advancing career stage, Mumbai Indians strategically brought Pandya back. With Rohit possibly not continuing for more than two seasons, Pandya, with age on his side, is seen as the ideal candidate to take over the captaincy reins.