Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as MI skipper ahead of IPL 2024.
MI’s ouster was confirmed after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) demolished Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 10 wickets and 10.2 overs to spare while chasing the target of 166 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
After their fate was sealed, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram weighed in on Mumbai's predicament, shedding light on the dismal campaign they've endured.
Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, Hardik Pandya, who completed a high-profile trade from Gujarat Titans (GT) to MI, replaced Rohit Sharma as skipper.
Akram also acknowledged that the last-minute captaincy change has hurt MI badly this season.
"Mumbai Indians must be going through a lot as a team. Last minute mein jo captain change huwa hai na Mumbai Indians ka, usse farak toh pada hai [The last minute change in the captaincy definitely made a difference]," Akram quoted as saying by TOI.
"Agar yeh pata hota na ki yeh badal rahe hai aur Rohit khud kahta ki, I just wanna play my cricket and have a rest. India ki captaani bhi chodd di hai toh phir theek hai [If it was predetermined and Rohit had said himself that he wanted to just play cricket and take rest. If he had given up the India captaincy too, then it would have been okay]," he added.
According to Wasim Akram, Hardik should have played the role of Rohit’s deputy this season.
“Woh India ki kaptani bhi kar raha hai. In my opinion, iss saal Pandya ko vice-captain banate, Rohit kaptani karta aur agle saal Rohit kahta ab bas - I am relaxing, I want to enjoy and I am giving reigns to Pandya. Kissi ko shock nahi hota. That didn't go down well for Mumbai Indians," he elaborated.
Despite their early ouster from the IPL 2024, Akram called this setback as a valuable learning experience for the team.
"That must be a big let down for them and a learning curve for them too," he concluded.