Mahela Jayawardene reveals the Sachin Tendulkar role that Rohit Sharma will play at Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians’ Global Head of Cricket, Mahela Jayawardene, has said that the decision to replace Rohit Sharma as captain with Hardik Pandya was made with the future in mind so that the team “can keep fighting for those wins, those trophies”. Hardik was made MI captain after joining the side in an all-cash trade deal with Gujarat Titans. Rohit, who led Mumbai to five IPL titles as a captain, will now play just as a batter.

Speaking at the IPL 2024 Auction, Jayawardene told JioCinema that while some may feel Mumbai removed Rohit as captain a bit early, it was a decision that had to be taken.

“This is something we have spoken about as a franchise. It is a tough decision, we had to make them. It is emotional, it is tough, to be honest. But everyone who has been part of Mumbai know we cherish every moment a player has contributed, and will contribute going forward. The legacy is something we want to build on and make sure we keep fighting for those wins, those trophies. As a good unit, we have the skillset to do it. That’s the focus going ahead. Probably everyone in their eyes will think it is too soon, but it is a decision we had to make at some point,” he said.

Mumbai’s decision has not gone down well with fans who have unfollowed MI on Instagram in big numbers. Jayawardene said he understood the feelings of the fans but defended the franchise’s decision.

“It’s fair on the fans as well (to react). I think everyone is emotional and we have to respect that as well. But at the same time, as a franchise, you have to make those decisions,” he added.

Talking about Rohit’s new role at MI, he said, “Having Ro (Rohit Sharma) in the team, on and off the field to guide the next generation is very important for us. He has been absolutely brilliant. I have worked very closely with Ro. He is a fabulous individual and I am sure he will be part of the legacy who will guide that through. Mumbai have had that in the past too with Sachin (Tendulkar), who played with the youngsters. He gave the leadership to someone else and made sure Mumbai Indians was going in the right direction. It’s the same thing. We had this conversation and everyone is buying into that, so, it’s for us to look forward to the next season.”