‘Having Rohit to guide next generation is important’ – Mahela Jayawardene reflects on Rohit Sharma’s role in the MI

Mumbai Indians’ Global Head of Cricket and former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene exclusively spoke to JioCinema during the IPL 2024 and talked about the transition of captaincy in the team from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya. Hardik Pandya’s recently traded from Gujarat Titans and was named as the captain while replacing Rohit Sharma. 

Mahela Jayawardene discussed the importance of an experienced player like Rohit Sharma in the squad who can guide the young squad on and off the field to continue the legacy of Mumbai Indians in the tournament. Mumbai Indians is the most successful franchise in the tournament with 5 IPL title wins. 

Mahela Jayawardene on Rohit Sharma’s legacy as captain and his role under Hardik Pandya 

“This is something we have spoken about as a franchise. It is a tough decision, we had to make them. It is emotional, it is tough, to be honest. But everyone who has been part of Mumbai knows we cherish every moment a player has contributed, and will contribute going forward. The legacy is something we want to build on and make sure we keep fighting for those wins, those trophies. As a good unit, we have the skill set to do it. That’s the focus going ahead. Probably everyone in their eyes will think it is too soon, but it is a decision we had to make at some point,” 

While expressing the massive fan disappointment and followers’ loss, he said, “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.” 

“Having Ro (Rohit Sharma) in the team, on and off the field to guide the next generation is very important for us. He has been absolutely brilliant. I have worked very closely with Ro. He is a fabulous individual and I am sure he will be part of the legacy who will guide that through. Mumbai have had that in the past too with Sachin (Tendulkar), who played with the youngsters. He gave the leadership to someone else and made sure Mumbai Indians were going in the right direction. It’s the same thing. We had this conversation and everyone is buying into that, so, it’s for us to look forward to the next season,” he added.