Badrinath Questions Rohit Sharma's Willingness to Resume MI Captaincy Amidst Team Crisis
Former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has expressed skepticism regarding Rohit Sharma's potential return as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2026 season. With current captain Hardik Pandya injured and vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav likely absent due to the birth of his child, speculation has arisen about Sharma stepping in. However, Badrinath argues that reinstating Sharma solely due to unavailability is inappropriate and doubts whether Sharma would accept the role under such circumstances. He highlighted that MI performs significantly better when Sharma is contributing with runs, which energizes the entire squad. Additionally, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull criticized the franchise's management for creating a difficult environment by bringing Pandya back to a team filled with experienced leaders, describing it as a clash of 'alphas.' Doull suggested that accountability for recent poor performances lies with the top management who facilitated this transition, noting that Pandya thrived as a leader in Gujarat Titans but struggles in MI's complex dressing room dynamics.
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Badrinath Questions Rohit Sharma's Willingness to Resume MI Captaincy Amidst Team Crisis
Former Indian cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath has expressed skepticism regarding Rohit Sharma's potential return as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2026 season. With current captain Hardik Pandya injured and vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav likely absent due to the birth of his child, speculation has arisen about Sharma stepping in. However, Badrinath argues that reinstating Sharma solely due to unavailability is inappropriate and doubts whether Sharma would accept the role under such circumstances. He highlighted that MI performs significantly better when Sharma is contributing with runs, which energizes the entire squad. Additionally, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull criticized the franchise's management for creating a difficult environment by bringing Pandya back to a team filled with experienced leaders, describing it as a clash of 'alphas.' Doull suggested that accountability for recent poor performances lies with the top management who facilitated this transition, noting that Pandya thrived as a leader in Gujarat Titans but struggles in MI's complex dressing room dynamics.
The Indian Express