Rohit Sharma Steps Down, Hardik Pandya To Lead Mumbai Indians; Here's How Fans React

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians' skipper Rohit Sharma on Friday stepped down and handed over the reins of the team to Hardik Pandya. Pandya, who was sensationally traded to the Mumbai side from Gujarat Gaints, powered his erstwhile team to bag the title in 2022.

Rohit Sharma shares the title of most successful captain in the cash-rich league along with MS Dhoni as both have lifted Winner's Cup 5 times. Rohit achieved the feat in a 10-year stint as skipper for MI.

Team mentor Mahela Jayawardene announced the big change stating "It is part of legacy building and staying true to the MI philosophy of being future-ready. Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership right from Sachin to Harbhajan and Ricky to Rohit, who while contributing to the immediate success have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future. It is in keeping with this philosophy that Hardik Pandya will assume captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season."

Before Rohit, Sachin Tendulkar and Rickey Ponting led the side, and now the team will play under Hardik Pandya's captaincy. Players like Harbhajan Singh, SM Pollock, and DJ Bravo have also led the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma.

Soon after Rohit Sharma decided to leave captaincy, cricket fans around the world expressed their love for the cricketer, who is also leading the Indian national team. Read how fans reacted to the big development in the cricket world:

Rohit Sharma fans right now pic.twitter.com/wiAnw6FZcH

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 15, 2023

#MumbaiIndians will never be the same after replacing #RohitSharma unceremoniously as their skipper. #HardikPandya might be a good leader but Rohit’s legacy is something else.

A sad day for many MI fans! pic.twitter.com/DaMA6YRSyl

— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) December 15, 2023

A tribute video for Captain Rohit Sharma. 🫡pic.twitter.com/jN9kuLnqfa

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 15, 2023

A very and very humble request to Rohit Sharma.

Please man leave this franchise, nothing is bigger than self respect.

You are and always will be our captain. Pls leave it. pic.twitter.com/w6xJPke3bZ

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) December 15, 2023

MI Dogs,

Without Rohit Sharma with Rohit Sharma pic.twitter.com/ObEpg3AiFZ

— Daemon (@Four_Tea_Five) December 15, 2023

I enjoyed your success i will support you in your low phase.

Rohit Sharma fan till I d*e. pic.twitter.com/rYJKApo1SX

— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) December 15, 2023

I enjoyed your success i will support you in your low phase.

Rohit Sharma fan till I d*e. pic.twitter.com/rYJKApo1SX

— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) December 15, 2023

Rohit Sharma's stats for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League:

In his 157 matches, Rohit Sharma has scored over 6211 runs including 25 half centuries. As captain, Sharma struck 3986 runs and is the fourth-highest run scorer in the IPL history.