Rohit Sharma could be re-appointed as Mumbai Indians' skipper: Manoj Tiwary

Mumbai Indians (MI) have had a disastrous start to their campaign in the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024) having lost three matches on the trot. The five-time champions began the season with a six-run loss against Gujarat Titans and further faced crushing defeats against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in the next two fixtures.

Notably, ahead of the season, the MI team management brought a change in the leadership by appointing Hardik Pandya as their news skipper replacing Rohit Sharma who led them to five IPL titles. However, the move hasn’t gone down well with the fans who’ve launched a scathing attack on Pandya, who was traded from Gujarat Titans ahead of the season.

Also Read: 'Could have been handled better with more clarity in communication' - Ravi Shastri on fan backlash towards Hardik Pandya

The situation got completely out of hand during Mumbai’s first home fixture against Rajasthan as he was booed by fans at the toss and throughout the game on his every mistake. The extreme pressure due to the hostility of the crowd was clearly visible on Pandya’s face and former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary was quick to spot it. The Bengal cricketer even suggested that MI might even re-appoint Rohit as captain of the side.

"It's a clue that Hardik is under pressure. If he is not bowling having bowled in the first 2 games, and in conditions where there was swing on offer in both first and second innings, I think he felt the pressure with the kind of reception he received. I want to say something big. I have this feeling that during this break, Rohit Sharma could be given back the captaincy from Hardik Pandya," Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.

Tiwary further stated that these franchises and owners don’t hesitate in taking calls and might be forced to make a quick change after a poor show in the first three games.

They haven't won a single game and the captaincy also looks jaded: Tiwary

Also Read: 'We just need to be more disciplined and show more courage' - Hardik Pandya reacts after Mumbai Indians' third straight loss in IPL 2024

"It can happen. It's a big call because whatever little I understand these franchises and owners, they don't hesitate in taking calls. They had started it when they took the captaincy from Rohit and gave it to Hardik. Now it's pretty big when you change a captain who has won you five titles. And now that they haven't won a single game and the captaincy also looks jaded. Mistakes are happening,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mumbai are currently languishing at the last spot on the points table being the only winless team of the season so far with zero points to their name from three matches. They will next take on Delhi Capitals on Sunday, April 07 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.