Mumbai Indians (MI) global head of cricket, Mahela Jayawardene, addressed the challenging decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as the team's captain.  Acknowledging the emotional response from the fans, Jayawardene emphasized the necessity of the decision for the franchise's future.

In an interview with JIO Cinema, Jayawardene shared insights into the decision-making process. 

"It was a tough decision. It was emotional, to be honest. It's fair on the fans as well (to react). I think everyone is emotional and we have to respect that as well. But at the same time, as a franchise, you have to make those decisions," he stated.

Jayawardene highlighted that Rohit Sharma will continue to play a vital role in the team despite the change in leadership. 

Jayawardene reveals true reason for replacing Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as MI skipper

The decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain was based on meaningful conversations and the desire to build on the franchise's legacy.  He highlighted that Pandya's familiarity with the MI dressing room and his experience as a leader at Gujarat made him a suitable fit for the role. 

"Hardik (Pandya) has been in the dressing room for quite some time, so that's nothing new. We know what he brings in as an all-rounder. It will be something different with his experience of leading the team at Gujarat, so, it is an opportunity to build on that," Jayawardene added.

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Drawing parallels with the transition of leadership seen with players like Sachin Tendulkar, Jayawardene emphasized the importance of having senior players like Rohit Sharma contribute to the team's direction and mentor the younger players.

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