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n a surprising turn of events, Mumbai Indians witnessed a massive backlash on social media after announcing Hardik Pandya as their new captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Within just one hour of the announcement, the team lost a staggering 400,000 followers on Twitter, raising eyebrows and sparking speculation about the fans’ discontent.
Hardik Pandya, who previously captained the Gujarat Titans, returns to Mumbai Indians after a two-year stint. The announcement marked the end of an era as Pandya stepped into the shoes of the legendary Rohit Sharma, who led the team to an impressive five IPL titles during his tenure as captain.
Social Media Backlash and Instagram Losses
The social media backlash extended beyond Twitter, with Mumbai Indians also witnessing a decline in their Instagram followers. The team lost 1.5 lakh followers on Instagram, and Rohit Sharma’s loyal supporters are predicting further departures as they come to terms with the change in leadership.
Mahela Jayawardene, Global Head of Performance for Mumbai Indians, defended the decision, stating, “It is part of legacy building and staying true to the MI philosophy of being future-ready.” Jayawardene highlighted the team’s history of exceptional leadership, from Sachin Tendulkar to Rohit Sharma, and emphasized that Hardik Pandya’s captaincy is in line with the franchise’s commitment to building for the future.
Pandya’s Return and Past Success
Hardik Pandya, who debuted for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, is making a comeback after captaining Gujarat Titans. Pandya led the Titans to the IPL title in their debut season in 2022, securing victory against Rajasthan Royals in the final. His leadership continued to impress in 2023, guiding the team to the final, albeit losing to MS Dhoni‘s Chennai Super Kings in a last-ball thriller.
As Mumbai Indians grapple with the social media fallout, the focus now shifts to the IPL 2024 season, where Hardik Pandya will lead the team in a bid to add another title to the franchise’s illustrious history. The transition from Rohit Sharma to Pandya is not only a change in leadership but also a test of the team’s resilience in the face of fan reactions and expectations.
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