Hardik Pandya wins hearts with tribute to Rohit Sharma's 15-year MI journey
IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya paid a heartfelt tribute to Rohit Sharma on completing 15 years with Mumbai Indians, praising his leadership and lasting impact. Rohit joined MI in 2011 and played a key role in their five IPL title wins.
Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya of Mumbai Indians (AFP Photo)
Hardik Pandya won hearts with a heartfelt message for Rohit Sharma, who has completed 15 years with Mumbai Indians. Back in 2011, MI signed Rohit for USD 2 million after his move from the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. He made his debut for MI against Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) on April 10, 2011 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Hardik congratulated Rohit, thanking him for his leadership and inspiration over the years for the five-time champions. He highlighted Rohit’s role in nurturing players, praised his personality, and credited him for consistently leading from the front.
Also Read: On This Day: Legendary Rohit Sharma makes his debut for Mumbai in the IPL
“Bro, congratulations on 15 years. Thank you for the way you’ve led this franchise for so long. I made my debut under you, and so did Boom (Jasprit Bumrah) and many others,” Hardik said in a video uploaded by MI.
“Thank you for inspiring so many who’ve gone on to represent both this franchise and India. You’ve been amazing, not just as a leader, but as a person, always friendly, open, and leading from the front. Many congratulations, and thank you for everything you’ve done over the years,” Hardik added.
Speculation around a captaincy rift at the Mumbai Indians between Rohit and Hardik continues to do the rounds, but there is little concrete evidence to support claims of a dressing-room fallout. The rumours largely stem from the franchise’s decision ahead of IPL 2024 to replace Rohit, who led the side to five titles, with Hardik as captain, a move that triggered significant fan backlash.
Recent reports, including claims of an ultimatum from Hardik to Rohit, have been dismissed by the franchise as baseless. As things stand, Hardik remains the official captain, while Rohit continues to be a senior figure in the squad.
Rohit Sharma has played 230 IPL matches for the Mumbai Indians, scoring 5,994 runs at an average of 29.67 and a strike rate of 132.79. His tally includes 40 half-centuries and two centuries, with a highest score of 109 not out against the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012.
In the ongoing IPL season, Rohit Sharma has scored 118 runs from three matches at an average of 39.33, with a top score of 78 against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.
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