Ambati Rayudu Backs Rohit Sharma, Wants Him to Join Chennai Super Kings
The build-up to the IPL 2024 has been shrouded in suspense and speculation following Mumbai Indians’ decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as their captain.
The move, announced in December last year, sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, with fans and experts alike questioning the franchise’s rationale behind ending Rohit’s decade-long tenure as the team’s leader.
Amid the backlash, Rohit’s wife Ritika Sajdeh added fuel to the fire by publicly criticizing the reasons cited by MI for the transition. Rohit himself has remained tight-lipped on the matter, but the murmurs from within suggest that all is not well regarding the change in guard.
Now, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has thrown his weight behind Rohit, stating that Mumbai Indians may have rushed into the captaincy switch. In an interview with News24, Rayudu expressed his belief that Rohit should have continued as captain for the upcoming season, with Hardik Pandya potentially taking over the reins after a year.
“This year, Rohit should have continued captaining, and Hardik, maybe after a year, could have been given that responsibility,” Rayudu said. “Rohit is still captaining India in T20Is. I feel that MI rushed into this decision, but probably they know best. So, it will be difficult.”
Rayudu further highlighted the challenges Hardik might face as MI’s captain, citing the presence of numerous star players and the immense pressure associated with leading the franchise.
In a surprising turn of events, Rayudu voiced his desire to see Rohit Sharma make the much-rumored switch to the Chennai Super Kings. The former India batter believes that Rohit, having achieved everything with MI, including five IPL titles, could embark on a new chapter with the ‘Yellow Army’ and potentially play for another five or six years.
“Rohit can play for another 5-6 years. I want to see Rohit in CSK going forward,” Rayudu stated. “If he has to captain, he can do it anywhere in the world. But it’s up to him. He has played so many years for MI and won them titles. So if he goes there, why not?”
As Mumbai Indians prepare for a new era under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Rohit Sharma’s future. Whether he embraces a fresh challenge with the Chennai Super Kings or remains loyal to the franchise that has been his home for over a decade, the cricketing world eagerly awaits his decision.
