Aaron Finch commentary. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Mumbai Indians surprised everyone when they acquired Hardik Pandya over a trade deal with Gujarat Giants.

However, the MI fans were not expecting him to replace Rohit Sharma as the captain of the franchise. While several fan clubs engaged in a scuffle online over the issue, a lot of the pundits weighed in their views. Adding to that list, former Australia captain Aaron Finch has shared his opinion over the former MI captain's prospect ahead of IPL 2024.

The India opener had a lean patch in his outings for Mumbai Indians in 2023, averaging 20.75. Adding to the woes, he scored just 332 runs in 16 matches he played. His attacking approach does not seem to work in the shortest format of the game. Finch opined, that after being released from the captaincy burden Sharma can express himself more freely and get back among the runs.

"I think for Rohit, the challenge would be just walking out and opening batting as he done so many times for India and Mumbai over the years. This might be a wipe off for his shoulders. When you are captaining a team constantly everywhere you go you are captain of the team you can get engrossed a lot in that, so now having a freedom to walk out and bat will be beneficial for him personally and Mumbai Indians," Finch said while speaking on Star Sports Show Game Plan.

'I never tried to convince him to stay back' - Ashish Nehra on Hardik Pandya's move to Mumbai Indians

When you add Mitchell Starc to any T20 team you are going to be better: Finch

Kolkata Knight Riders are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a third title. Since their last championship in 2014, the coveted IPL trophy has eluded them. Barring their lone Final appearance in 2021, they haven't managed to sneak into the playoffs. Finch expressed that the inclusion of Mitchell Starc in the squad will boost KKR's case for the titleship. He also highlighted the impact of Shreyas Iyer's potential injury concerns ahead of the upcoming season.

"I think KKR will improve on their last year, they weren't at their best last year. But Shreyas' s injury cloud over him would be interesting to see how much of an impact he has throughout the tournament. When you add Mitchell Starc to any T20 team you are going to be better, his ability with a new ball to swing it up front will provide very valuable wickets and in the power play which is so important for the game And his death bowling is obviously exceptional as well," he concluded.