Trending: The Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise, five-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has faced a significant backlash online after announcing Hardik Pandya as their new captain for the upcoming season. The decision, made official yesterday, has already resulted in a staggering loss of over 600,000 followers on the team’s social media platforms, sparking heated discussions and raising questions about the franchise’s strategy.
Pandya, a star all-rounder known for his aggressive batting and flamboyant personality, is no stranger to controversy. His past actions, including a sexist episode on Koffee with Karan, have left a bitter taste in the mouths of some fans. This, coupled with concerns about his leadership experience and fitness issues, has fueled the online firestorm.
Hashtags like #MIwithoutRohit and #BoycottMI trended high on Twitter, with fans expressing their disappointment and questioning the rationale behind the decision. Many voiced support for veteran Rohit Sharma, the former captain who led MI to victory five times, while others criticized the franchise for overlooking senior players like Kieron Pollard and Jasprit Bumrah.
“This is a slap in the face of Rohit Sharma’s legacy,” wrote one fan. “He built this team, and what do they do? Hand it over to someone untested and with baggage?”
Others defended Pandya, arguing that his talent and potential deserve a chance. “He’s a match-winner, plain and simple,” said another fan. “Give him the captaincy, and let’s see what he can do.”
MI officials have remained tight-lipped amidst the social media storm. However, sources suggest that the franchise hopes Pandya’s youthful energy and aggressive on-field approach will reinvigorate the team. They also believe his leadership qualities, showcased during his stint as Gujarat Titans captain in the recently concluded IPL season, warrant the opportunity.
Whether Pandya can win over the disenchanted fan base and lead MI to another IPL title remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the online storm surrounding his captaincy has set the stage for a fascinating IPL season ahead.
