Hardik Pandya has been selected as the captain of the Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season, in an unexpected change of events. The decision comes only days after the franchise announced the return of Hardik Pandya in an all-cash deal with the Gujarat Titans, the first of its kind in the Indian Premier League. Rohit Sharma, who led MI to a record five IPL titles, has been removed to create a place for new captain Hardik Pandya.  

3 things you need to know 

• Hardik Pandya becomes the new captain of Mumbai Indians
• Rohit Sharma led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL trophies
• Pandya was the captain of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022 and 2023

Also Read: MI reveal reason behind removing Rohit as captain

A fan burns Mumbai Indians cap and jersey after the announcement of the new captain

The Mumbai Indians said in a statement that the decision is part of building a legacy and adhering to the MI ideal of being future-ready. The Mumbai Indians also expressed gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his service as captain since 2013. MI also wished Hardik Pandya luck in his new role as Mumbai Indians captain.

The current situation has shocked internet users, who are accusing Hardik Pandya and the Mumbai Indians of betraying Rohit Sharma. Fans reportedly burned the Mumbai Indians' cap and jersey to express their displeasure after the team decided to remove their most successful skipper of all time. Between 2013 and 2020, the Mumbai Indians won a record five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. 

The Mumbai Indians acquired Hardik Pandya before the IPL 2015 auction. Rohit Sharma, who gradually developed the Gujarat player into a match-winner with both the bat and the ball, fostered Pandya to some extent. Hardik Pandya was finally selected as an all-rounder for the Indian squad, and the rest is history.  

Also Read: No one can be compared to Dhoni: KL Rahul

When is the IPL 2024 auction?

The auction for the IPL 2024 season will take place in Dubai on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Teams will look to strengthen their squads and prepare for one of the best T20 competitions in the whole world.