The Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) is the world’s largest T20 franchise league and the oldest running franchise league in world cricket. The IPL will enter its 19th edition as it is scheduled to begin on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The teams are having final practices before the first game. Mumbai Indians (MI) are also preparing for the tournament as they take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) next day at the Wakhede Stadium in Mumbai. MI were eliminated from the tournament after losing to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2.
Change in captaincy in Mumbai Indians team?
Before the next season, former RCB batsman Mohammad Kaif believes that Mumbai Indians should not change their captain in the new season. Kaif feels that India’s T20 World Cup winning captain Suryakumar Yadav should not be given the captaincy. Many cricket experts and fans said that there should be a change in captaincy in the franchise after SKY wins the World Cup.
Kaif said MI had earlier forced Rohit Sharma to step down from the captaincy despite winning five IPL trophies with the franchise, to make way for Hardik Pandya, who was traded by the management to Gujarat Titans (GT). The former DC coach also suggested that the management should not treat Pandya the same way after Suryakumar Yadav won the T20 World Cup with India.
I don’t think Mumbai Indians should do this – Mohammad Kaif
“I don’t think Mumbai Indians should make the same mistake again. They had a bad season after replacing Rohit Sharma and bringing in Hardik Pandya. Hardik Pandya is now settling into his role. He played Qualifier 2 last year. So, Hardik Pandya did a good job as captain,” Kaif said in a YouTube video.
“Suryakumar Yadav is an option, but it should not be like they did with Rohit Sharma, they said now we have Hardik Pandya, who made Gujarat the champion, so he will captain now. Then Hardik was the hot topic, and they pushed him. Now Suryakumar Yadav is the hot topic. Next year, there will be someone else, so will you remove Surya?”
I hope Rohit Sharma will be a little more consistent – Kaif on Rohit’s consistency
Mohammad Kaif also mentioned Rohit Sharma taking more responsibility for his batting and being more consistent in the IPL. He took the example of Virat Kohli and wants Rohit to take accountability and play like the former in the cash-rich league.
“I hope Rohit Sharma will be a little more consistent this time. He plays match-winning innings. When he clicks, he is man of the match. But he has to do it consistently. He has to show glimpses of Virat Kohli, who backs up his form in every match. It will be a challenge for Rohit Sharma.”
Mumbai Indians would like to make a positive start to their IPL campaign and win the first game against KKR. MI’s next match will be against Delhi Capitals (DC) away from home. Only 20 days of IPL games have been announced so far due to the assembly elections in India.
Also read: “He wants Rohit Sharma”: Former DC coach drops IPL ‘winning formula’ for MI and Hardik Pandya
