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Was Removing Rohit Sharma as Captain the Reason for MI's Struggles

 

In Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Rohit Sharma has adapted to a new position where he is playing primarily as an “impact substitute” this season. Only two seasons ago, Rohit was the franchise captain before the Mumbai Indians chose to elevate Hardik Pandya to the job. 

Even the vice-captaincy was handed over to Suryakumar Yadav, and Rohit was relieved of all leadership duties. In an interview with the broadcasters, Rohit spoke candidly about how his role has changed over time. 

 

Rohit Sharma: “Mindset still the Same”

 

Mumbai Indians have won just one of their opening three matches of the season. A tough beginning, though, is nothing new for the franchise, which has become accustomed to coming back over the years. For Rohit, his position may have shifted,but  his frame of mind remains the same - to perform the best for his side.
 
"Ever since I joined, things have definitely changed. I was used to batting middle order; I now open the innings. I was captain, and I'm not now. Some of our boys from the times we used to win the championships are coaches now. Roles have shifted; a lot has changed, but the mindset still hasn't. What I still wish to do for this team is the same - go out and win matches and trophies. That is what the Mumbai Indians are recognized for. 

For years now, we've won trophies and converted matches in conditions no one had believed. That is what MI and Mumbai is all about,” Rohit Sharma added on JioHotstar. 

“See, it is a part of life. Not everything will go your way. It has been a great experience,” the Indian skipper said during a media interaction. 

 

Dinesh Lad Points Finger at Rohit’s Removal

 

The controversy surrounding Hardik's appointment as captain of Mumbai Indians led to the team's poor performance, with Mumbai Indians finishing bottom in the IPL standings. Former coach Dinesh Lad later expressed his belief that Rohit should never have been removed from the captaincy.

 

Conclusion

 

Rohit Sharma has adjusted to a new role for Mumbai Indians, mainly as an impact replacement, following being replaced as captain. Even with the change of duties, his priority is still winning. But the change of captaincy and MI's poor performance thereafter, ending at the bottom of the IPL, have attracted criticism, with former coach Dinesh Lad opining that Rohit's ouster was a blunder.