Former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma may no longer be the captain of the five-time champions, but his presence is never far from the team. Despite being replaced by Hardik Pandya in a historic trade deal, Rohit continues to provide valuable tips and guidance to the young players.
Rohit Sharma driving bus 😂pic.twitter.com/4bTjfR6OVu
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With 156 runs in five games at an average of 31.20 and a strike rate close to 170, Rohit’s contributions on the field have been significant. His recent knock of 38 off 24 balls against RCB at the Wankhede Stadium helped MI secure a crucial win, boosting their net run rate and lifting them to seventh place on the points table.
Mumbai Indians’ early struggles, marked by three consecutive losses, fueled reports of differences between Rohit and Hardik Pandya. However, subsequent victories have brought back some stability, and Rohit’s presence has been instrumental in guiding the team.
Power-hitter Tim David spoke positively about Hardik’s captaincy, highlighting the faith the team has in their new skipper. “Hardik has been phenomenal in the way he has been playing for the team. That is what we need at some point. Sometimes it is me, sometimes it is other guys,” David said. “You could go look at the first game where Hardik hit two boundaries in his first two balls. (We have) absolutely full faith in him. We know his power; we know how good he is. When he gets into that situation, he is going to win games for us.”
Off the field, Rohit’s connection with the team and fans remains strong. He was spotted driving the Mumbai Indians team bus, drawing loud cheers from supporters gathered outside the hotel. Rohit also urged fans to support Hardik Pandya during the initial losses, emphasizing the importance of unity and backing for the new captain.
Looking ahead, Rohit has set his sights on leading India to glory in the upcoming T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship final in 2025. “I haven’t really thought about retirement. But, I don’t know where life takes you. I am still playing well at this point in time – so I am thinking I am going to continue for a few more years and then, I don’t know. I really want to win the World Cup and there is a WTC final in 2025, hopefully, India makes it,” Rohit stated.
As Mumbai Indians navigate the challenges of the ongoing season, Rohit Sharma’s presence as a mentor and leader continues to be invaluable, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the team’s success.
