MI failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second time in three IPL seasons.
Under Hardik's leadership, MI finished rock-bottom IPL 2024 and could be staring at another wooden spoon in IPL 2026. This is a huge difference from the leadership of Rohit Sharma, under whom MI won five IPL titles.
Rohit Sharma has witnessed his MI heritage being destroyed in front of his eyes, according to former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary. Tiwary stated that he hoped MI would return captaincy to Rohit for the upcoming campaign.
"Rohit Sharma has seen his empire crumble—in front of his own eyes—over the last three years. At times, you can see it through his expressions in the dugout. Deep down, he knows that had he been in charge, he may not have taken certain decisions,” Manoj Tiwary stated on Cricbuzz.
Tiwary said he is confident that the Mumbai Indians would have a new skipper in 2027. He expects Suryakumar Yadav to take over as captain, but would want to see Rohit return to the helm.
"I am 200 per cent sure that next season, then the Mumbai Indians will have a new captain, whether it is Suryakumar Yadav or Jasprit Bumrah. Keeping in mind that Bumrah is a fast bowler who could suffer a sudden injury, they should go with Suryakumar Yadav.
But I wish with my heart that Rohit were brought back (as captain) in order to reinstate some respect for him. If he comes back, he is capable of constructing a good team once again," Tiwary said.
Speaking on the same show, ex-India spinner Murali Kartik stated that MI’s decision to bring back Hardik Pandya and appoint him captain over Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar destroyed the team environment.
"Who were the players retained? Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. Those were your three retentions. Suddenly, you bring in someone from outside. That is bound to destroy the atmosphere. Whatever the situation may be, players are naturally shocked," Kartik said.
(Cricbuzz inputs)