At the beginning of 2023, Hardik Pandya took Rohit Sharma’s place as captain of the Mumbai Indians. The loss of Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians team’s captain is difficult for supporters to swallow. While visiting the Shri Sai Baba shrine in Shirdi, one of Rohit Sharma’s supporters begged Nita Ambani, the owner of the Mumbai Indians (MI), to re-appoint Rohit Sharma as captain.
On April 13, MI defeated Axar Patel’s Delhi Capitals (DC) by 12 runs at Arun Jaitley Stadium in the ongoing IPL. This was MI’s second victory in the six games they have played so far this season. Despite the victory, Rohit has received a lot of credit for his impromptu decision to switch to a new ball and bring in Karn Sharma, who is praised as a “impact player.”
A fan accosted Nita Ambani in Nashik Temple in a video that went viral on social media:
A fan is seen approaching Nita Ambani at the Shirdi Temple in Nashik in a video that went viral. A fan approached the temple with folded hands as the owner of the Mumbai Indians was leaving and asked,
“Rohit Sharma ko captain banao” (Make Rohit Sharma the captain again).
Nita Ambani responded by saying,
“Baba ki marzi [ Sai Baba’s wish ]”
Here is the viral video
Man was demanding captaincy for Rohit Sharma in front of Nita Ambani. This is madness.💀 pic.twitter.com/dCbdVuQZJu
— Gems of Cricket (@GemsOfCrickets) April 13, 2025
Rohit Sharma’s IPL career
Rohit joined Mumbai in 2011 after beginning his IPL career with the Deccan Chargers. In 2013, he was appointed team captain. Since then, the Mumbai Indians have won in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. But before the IPL 2024 season started, Hardik Pandya took Rohit’s place.
Hardik Pandya as MI captain
The alteration infuriated the Mumbai Indians supporters, who protested every time Hardik Pandya took the pitch in the 2024 Indian Premier League. However, things have lately improved when Hardik Pandya was instrumental in India’s victories in the T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy. He also contributed significantly to India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 while Rohit was captain.
However, MI has lost four of its six games this season. Pandya was the captain of three of them. He was barred from the opening game of the five-time champions’ campaign.
Right now, MI is ranked sixth in the IPL standings. They will then play the Chennai Super Kings (April 20) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at home on April 17.
How do you feel about Hardik leading MI? Tell us in the comments section.
