'Rohit Has Experience But...': Yuvraj Singh Defends MI's Captaincy Change

image-lrcz8spqRohit led MI to five IPL trophies [x.com]

Former India and Mumbai Indians (MI) giant Yuvraj Singh came out in support of the franchise after its much-criticised decision to undergo a captaincy shuffle from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

The five-time champions decided to sack their successful captain Rohit from the helm of affairs and appointed comeback man and premier allrounder Hardik Pandya as their new skipper for the coming season. 

While the franchise underlined the motives behind the decision and why it was important for MI to plan and invest in a long-term replacement for the ageing Rohit, the passionate fans of the veteran Mumbaikar gave the team excess flak on social media and threatened to boycott its matches. 

Yuvraj Defends MI's Captaincy Shuffle 

Yuvraj, however, doesn't believe the captaincy shuffle should be taken as a sign of rift and disrespect on Rohit and urged fans to understand that it's critical for an IPL franchise to think on futuristic lines without sitting on its laurels. 

"In franchise cricket, it always gets tough as you get old. Every franchise is always looking to promote a young player on whom they have spent a lot, and that is only fair."

I have faced this situation too. But then, there can’t be a replacement for experience. Rohit has huge experience and has delivered. But then, a franchise has to think long term too."

Yuvraj also spoke about Pandya's captaincy prospects and attributes, stating that his injury trend could act as an obstacle for the earnest cricketer and his leadership ascent with MI and even the Indian team.  The 2011 World Cup champion said it would be wise of the Indian selectors to keep options in place to replace Pandya as captain and player going forward. 

"Hardik is a very important member of the team and India need him. He is injury-prone and we need to give him time to recuperate and settle down. We have to get the best out of him."

"As far as captaincy is concerned, we need to have more options instead of depending on one guy. What if he gets injured? There is Suryakumar Yadav, who has been captaining India in the T20Is. There is also Shubman Gill, who will be a captain in IPL. We should think about these options," he added. 

The eagerly anticipated IPL 2024 season is scheduled to commence on March 22nd, according to recent reports. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting start as teams gear up for intense competition in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.