Former KKR batter Aakash Chopra has opined that Hardik Pandya should have no issues playing under Rohit Sharma for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2027. Chopra pointed out that it was MI that gave the relatively unknown Pandya his big break as an uncapped player in IPL 2015 after which he has gone on to become one of India’s biggest stars.
MI had a forgettable run under Pandya’s leadership in IPL 2026 as they failed to qualify for the playoffs. While the all-rounder was impressive as Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper, he has failed to replicate the success with MI. There have been numerous rumors of him being possibly traded ahead of IPL 2027. Some reports have also started doing the rounds that Rohit might get back MI captaincy.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra opined that Pandya should have no qualms playing for MI under Rohit in IPL 2027. He said:
“Rohit Sharma as a captain – is that a possibility? Yes, there is a possibility. And if Hardik Pandya isn’t traded, he will be okay playing under Rohit Sharma. I don’t think it was ever an issue. Why won’t he play if there is no trade and if there is no discussion. Mumbai Indians bought him for ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh) back in the day. So, when they did everything for him, it can’t be that he won’t play. He will play.”
Chopra added that MI could also consider the names of Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav as possible captaincy options. He added:
“Tilak Varma is another candidate. And, I don’t know Suryakumar Yadav is not a part of the conversation. He will give you more years. But, we are talking about Rohit. It’s an interesting one. So, we’ll wait and watch who gets the captaincy.”
MI’s last title triumph in the IPL came under Rohit‘s captaincy back in the 2020 season in the UAE.
MI overhaul support staff ahead of IPL 2027
Having parted ways with Mahela Jayawardene, MI have elevated batting coach Kieron Pollard to the post of head coach. Further, MI have appointed former India batter Robin Uthappa as batting coach and T Dilip as fielding coach.
Former MI players Mitchell McClenaghan and Dhawal Kulkarni have joined the support staff as bowling coach and development bowling coach respectively. The development comes after the franchise parted ways with former bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey and former fielding coach Carl Hopkinson.
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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert
