Since Hardik Pandya‘s appointment as Mumbai Indians captain last December, the team has faced scrutiny. Pandya was met with significant opposition from Mumbai’s own fans when the switch was announced, and this sentiment persisted into the new season. In all matches so far, fans have booed Pandya, apparently siding with former captain Rohit Sharma.

Many fans are predicting that Rohit Sharma will leave the five-time champions after IPL 2024. According to them, he is heading to Chennai Super Kings.

There is speculation that veteran player Mahendra Singh Dhoni will retire from the league after this season due to knee problems, having already relinquished the captaincy of the franchise. It would make sense for another high-profile player to take his place if he departs. While the theory seems far-fetched, former England captain Michael Vaughan has stated he would not be surprised if it came true, given Dhoni’s circumstances.

“Will Rohit Sharma join the Chennai Super Kings next season and replace MS Dhoni as captain? Ruturaj Gaikwad is captaining the team this year, possibly just keeping the spot warm for Rohit to take over as skipper next season. I could see Rohit playing for Chennai in the future,” Vaughan stated on Beer Biceps podcast.

“For fans of the Mumbai Indians, it would be sad and terrible to see him leave for another team. However, Rohit going to Sunrisers Hyderabad would be poetic, since he previously played for the Deccan Chargers.” said Ranveer Allahbadia.

Vaughan laughed at the response, and then asked if he would get booed by the crowd. When Ranveer firmly said “no,” the former English cricketer replied, “Then he must be playing for Chennai.”

Vaughan said that Rohit should have led Mumbai Indians in the 17th season despite Hardik Pandya’s arrival from Gujarat Titans. The all-rounder should have been left free to play without the burden of leadership, according to the former England captain.

“Hardik is going through a tough time. Who is going to refuse the offer to captain the Mumbai Indians? Every Indian cricket player would want to accept what has been offered to him. The past few years have been difficult for MI. I think that the communication wasn’t appropriate.” Vaughan added.

“From my own perspective, I would have allowed Rohit to lead. There is already a lot of pressure on Hardik returning to MI, and Rohit is the Indian T20 captain. With Hardik making his return to the franchise, it would have made sense to persist with Rohit,” he concluded.

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are the biggest rivals in the league’s history, having won five titles each, respectively.

Related