Hardik Pandya joined the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 in a blockbuster trade. Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to two finals in two seasons, left his home franchise to return to his ‘original home in IPL’ albeit in a new role.
As per reports, there was a captaincy clause in the contract that if Hardik Pandya quits Gujarat Titans, he should receive the captaincy position in Mumbai Indians. However, the mega auction will happen before IPL 2025, meaning all contracts will have to be renewed.
Hence, MI can negotiate a new deal with Pandya, where the captaincy clause might not be included after the disastrous performance in the 2024 season. Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer opined that Rohit Sharma will leave the Mumbai Indians after IPL 2024, which is why MI can look at the following two current stars of the franchise as the next captain.
1. Suryakumar Yadav can replace Hardik Pandya as captain
Suryakumar Yadav is one of the many cricketers who groomed by Mumbai Indians in the IPL. In fact, he has also captained the Mumbai-based franchise in the past. Considering that the BCCI has given Yadav captaincy in T20I cricket, MI can think of naming him as the skipper.
Yadav can lead MI from the front. Being the local lad, he can have the local connect with the fans. Plus, he also knows how to keep the dressing room atmosphere light. Such things will help MI.
2. Jasprit Bumrah
Fast bowlers are quite underrated in the captaincy areas. Pat Cummins of Australia showed that even fast bowlers can be great leaders in the modern era of cricket. Mumbai Indians can be inspired from that as well, and they could name Jasprit Bumrah as the next skipper. Bumrah has captained India in Tests and T20Is, meaning he has a decent experience of leading the side.
