In IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians became the first team to be eliminated from the race for playoffs. This wasn’t a shocker for many as they had initially seen the 5-times champions lose their spark this season.
Fans speculate the sudden captaincy change from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya has been a cause for the team’s misfortune. Additionally, several fans have claimed there might be some sort of a “beef” between the two Indian players.
MI is set to face off against Kolkata Knight Riders today at the majestic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. KKR is at the top spot on the points table while MI is stuck to the 9th position, followed only by Punjab Kings.
What is the Pandya-Rohit ‘beef’
Ever since the start of the IPL 2024 season, fans have speculated about the mistreatment of Rohit Sharma in the MI franchise. Additionally, the new captain Hardik Pandya, who has replaced Sharma has been criticised for being ‘sly’ in the matter.
There have been instances of Pandya slightly misbehaving with Rohit on the field, Rohit ignoring and dodging Hardik’s hugs, Lasith Malinga leaving the dugout when Pandya arrives and many more as the season progressed.
These moments have made the fans build a perception that holds Pandya in a negative light as well as pits Rohit and Hardik against each other. The prime reason for this has been the sudden captaincy change.
It must be noted that even Rohit Sharma who brought MI to victory 5 times in the IPL was given captaincy, by replacing Ricky Ponting. That was even more sudden as it happened in the middle of an IPL season. Hence, the MI management is the one at fault at not treating their captains with loyalty.
Michael Clarke speaks on the dispute
Michael Clarke, the former Australia captain, believes the relationship between Hardik and Rohit is not as severe as the public thinks.
Clarke’s belief originates from Hardik’s inclusion in India‘s T20I World Cup squad, with the World Cup-winning captain emphasising Rohit’s power and influence in team selection. The selection committee had Ajit Agarkar as their chief.
While Clarke agrees that not all is well between the two Indian superstars, Rohit would not have chosen Hardik if the dispute had gotten out of control.
“You know what… knowing Rohit Sharma, he will wrap his arms around Hardik Pandya. That shows the character that Rohit is. He is the Indian captain and trust me… he wants to win that World Cup. He has had a lot of say in the 15 that is picked by India,” Clarke said on Around the Wicket podcast.
Additionally, Michael also said, “It’s very different to let’s say the Australian 15. They are heavily focussed on spin bowling. If the beef between Rohit and Hardik was as strong as people think, Hardik wouldn’t be in that World Cup campaign. The Indian captain has that much power.”
Clarke was one of the first players to suggest a rift between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. He also had an idea that the MI players had picked sides and the team was divided into 2 halves, one supporting Rohit and the other Hardik.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
