Reports suggest a growing division within the Mumbai Indians camp as the IPL 2024 season unfolds. The ongoing saga of captaincy changes appears to have cast a significant shadow over the team’s dynamics and performance. Recent developments indicate a deepening rift, with Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya reportedly avoiding joint practice sessions. In a telling incident, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma purportedly left the nets when Hardik Pandya stepped in to bat.
According to sources cited in Dainik Jagran, Rohit and Hardik have had limited joint practice sessions during this IPL season. Before the match against KKR, where MI faced defeat, Rohit was seen batting first in the nets, while Hardik was conspicuously absent. Later, when Hardik arrived to bat, Rohit, Suryakumar, and Tilak allegedly relocated to another part of the ground.
Further fueling speculation, Rohit Sharma’s conversation with KKR’s assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, stirred controversy. During their exchange, Rohit seemingly discussed the changes within Mumbai Indians since Hardik assumed captaincy, hinting that this might be his final season with the franchise.
With the IPL set for a mega auction next season, the likelihood of Rohit Sharma being retained by Mumbai Indians appears slim, given Hardik’s appointment as captain. This move signals the franchise’s commitment to building its future around the young all-rounder. However, for Rohit, who may desire to extend his playing career, there could be interest from other IPL teams vying for his services.