Cricket News
IPL 2024:IPL Legends Who Were Removed as Captain
India’s star cricketer Hardik Pandya has been making the top headlines in the cricketing world as he takes charge as the new captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, marking a notable leadership change as Rohit Sharma steps down from the captaincy despite his five-time IPL-winning record.
However, here are some more captains on the list. Notably, from Rohit Sharma to MS Dhoni, let’s delve into five stalwarts who saw changes in their roles as captains in the IPL.
#1. MS Dhoni
Former India skipper MS Dhoni was removed as captain of Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) in 2017 and replaced by Steve Smith. However, the owner of RPS, Sanjiv Goenka, said that it was a difficult decision but they wanted a younger person to lead the side and revamp it ahead of the IPL season. In addition, he also said that MS Dhoni was supportive of the decision and continued to be an integral member of the team.
#2. David Warner
Australia’s star cricketer David Warner was removed as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2021 season and replaced by Kane Williamson. Notably, the team management did not explain the reason for this decision to David Warner, who said he was disappointed and shocked by the move. However, some of the possible reasons for Warner’s removal were his poor form as a batter, his lack of communication with the coaches, and his disagreement with the team selection.
#3. Ricky Ponting
Australia’s batting legend Ricky Ponting was removed as captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2013 season and replaced by Rohit Sharma, who went on to become the most successful IPL captain with five titles. Notably, Ponting started as MI’s captain in the 2013 season but things did not go his way. MI lost four of their first five games of the season and was struggling with their form. However, Ponting said that he wanted to give Rohit Sharma a chance to lead the team and also focus on his batting. Notably, the decision proved to be a masterstroke, as MI won their first IPL title that year, beating Chennai Super Kings in the final.
#4. Rohit Sharma
India’s captain Rohit Sharma was removed as captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024 season and replaced by Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder who rejoined MI in a trade deal. Notably, MI head coach Mark Boucher explained that it was a cricketing decision and that they wanted to give Hardik Pandya a chance to lead the team and revamp it. Notably, Rohit Sharma had been the captain of MI since 2013 and had led them to five IPL titles, the most by any team.
#5. Ajinkya Rahane
India’s star cricketer Ajinkya Rahane was removed as captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2019 season and replaced by Steve Smith. Notably, the decision was taken by the RR management to introduce a “fresh approach” to their struggling campaign, as they had lost six of their first eight matches.