Rohit Sharma effect? Mumbai Indians lose a million social media followers after Hardik Pandya is named new captain
Rohit Sharma captained Mumbai Indians from 2013 to 2023 and led the franchise to five Indian Premier League titles.
New Delhi: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians made the big announcement that Hardik Pandya will take over the leadership role replacing Rohit Sharma for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. With this, Rohit ends a decade-long stint as Mumbai Indians. captain. The development did not go well with netizens as fans expressed their frustration on social media. Approximately, Mumbai Indians lost four lakh Instagram followers in support of their captain within an hour.
Rohit has been an integral part for Mumbai Indians in IPL. After playing for three years for the now defunct Deccan Chargers, the right-hander joined Mumbai Indians in 2011 and was elevated to captain two years later after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar retired from cricket.
The decision was golden for the franchise as they have won five IPL titles so far, all under Rohit. His stellar record as captain in IPL also proved beneficial for Rohit to take over the national team duties from Virat Kohli in 2021.
Here are the viral tweets from the social media site ‘X’
Mumbai Indians lost four Lakh followers within an hour.
That is the power of our captain.#RohitSharma
— RG for India (@RGforIndia_24) December 15, 2023
I just unfollowed it @mipaltan
Captain Nahi of Agar Rohit no longer wants to support MI.#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/pgBOxSUoHP— Vivek Gupta (@30guptavivek) December 15, 2023
A fan wrote, ‘Rohit Sharma has done everything with his Franchise Mumbai Indians but they have been left heartbroken.’
Rohit Sharma has done everything with his Franchise Mumbai Indians except them
A heart broken #RohitSharma #ShameOnMi#MumbaiIndians https://t.co/iyJSLjEGa6— Pirag Choudhary (@pirag_jakhar) December 15, 2023
Successfully unfollow the account that chooses coal over diamond. Mumbai Indians end its IPL trophy campaign with just 5 trophies. Worst decision by Mumbai Indians. I’m ashamed of me.#MumbaiIndians #RohitSharma #HardikPandya #Captain #boycottmumbaiindians pic.twitter.com/X19d0Q6GPY
— Karan Bajaj (@bajajkaran372) December 15, 2023
Another fan wrote a caption that read, “Just unfollowed, I expect the same from you guys.”
Just unfollowed @mipaltan
I expect the same from you#RohitSharma • #MumbaiIndians#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/AfjixUGsrn
— PANDIT SACHIN KUMAR SHARMA ADV (@SACHINK57872993) December 15, 2023
#I just unfollowed @mipaltan
Captain Nahi of Agar Rohit no longer wants to support MI.#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/0lja2qxOo6— Sid Sikarwar (@SidSikarwa84900) December 15, 2023
Commenting on this transition, Mahela Jayawardene, Global Head of Performance, Mumbai Indians said, “It is part of building legacy and stays true to the MI philosophy of being ready for the future. Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership, from Sachin (Tendulkar) to Harbhajan (Singh) and Ricky (Ponting) to Rohit, who, while contributing to the immediate success, have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future. It is in line with this philosophy that Hardik Pandya will captain Mumbai Indians for the 2024 IPL season.”
“We express our gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his exceptional leadership; his tenure as captain of Mumbai Indians since 2013 has been nothing short of extraordinary. His leadership has not only brought unparalleled success to the team but has also cemented his place as one of the best captains in the history of the IPL.”
“Under his leadership, MI became one of the most successful and beloved teams ever. We look forward to his guidance and experience on and off the field to further strengthen MI. We welcome Hardik Pandya as the new captain of MI and wish him all the best,” concluded Mahela.