Rohit Sharma (Twitter)
Aakash Chopra paid a fitting tribute to outgoing Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Rohit Sharma as he bid farewell to the captaincy job for the five-time champions ahead of the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Speculations have been rife whether MI have removed Rohit from the helm of affairs or the ageing veteran has himself volunteered to give up the post for new skipper Hardik Pandya. Either way, Chopra chose this as a moment to stand up and applaud the experienced opener for guiding the franchise to envious heights.
It was under his leadership that MI revived its fortunes from the perennial also-rans of IPL cricket to what is today the most successful domestic T20 franchise in the world. The franchise won the 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 editions of the toughest T20 league with Rohit donning the captaincy hat.
Chopra Hails Rohit Sharma For MI Captaincy Tenure
Chopra, however, reckons it's not just the shine of the prestigious IPL trophies but Rohit's excellent leadership acumen which has elevated him among the two greatest ever captains of the league alongside Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni.
"Rohit Sharma was one of the finest captains—10 years, five trophies. A very successful captain. He understands the pulse of the game and managed the team really well," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
"He always kept team ahead of self. Whether it was opening for the side or batting down the order, he did everything for Mumbai Indians that was asked of him."
The former India opener believes Rohit's captaincy has been truly influential in MI creating a legacy matched only by that of Dhoni's CSK juggernaut, with both captains and franchises boasting of five IPL titles under their cabinet.
"The biggest parameter [to judge a captain is], the players who have played under you, do they want to keep playing more under you. That defines you as a captain and a player.
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