AB de Villiers. (Photo Source: Instagram/abdevilliers17)
In a surprising turn of events, Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the new captain for Mumbai Indians, leaving many fans in a state of shock. Former South African cricket legend AB de Villiers, however, seems to have a different take on the matter.
Expressing his views on the captaincy switch, De Villiers remarked that some people would be happy about it, while others would be sad. He mentioned reading a post where MI lost a million followers, indicating that people took it personally that Hardik has replaced Rohit. However, he doesn’t see it as a bad decision for MI.
“Some people will be happy about it, some people will be sad about it. I read a post where MI lost a million followers so it seems people have taken it personally that Hardik has replaced Rohit. However, I don’t see it as a bad decision for MI,” ABD said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Acknowledging Rohit Sharma’s outstanding captaincy stint with MI, De Villiers believes this move could be a positive one for Rohit as he wants him to just enjoy the game as India’s captain and do away with IPL workload.
“Rohit has been a fantastic captain for MI. But he is also the Indian captain and now is the time for him to just settle a bit and enjoy the game and give the pressure of taking the heat to someone else.”
De Villiers speculates that Rohit Sharma might have made a conscious decision to focus more on his batting skills. Hence he wants the MI fans to take the new leadership decision in good zest as it is the latest move and news now.
“I feel Rohit has made a conscious decision looking at the load and wanting to focus more on his batting skills. Hardik is the captain for the Mumbai Indians and that’s the news,” he added.
I hope they give Dewald Brevis game time in this IPL, Up the order with Rohit Sharma would be absolutely fantastic: AB de Villiers
The cricketing legend hopes that Mumbai Indians fans will give Hardik Pandya a fair chance. Even though he did not shy away from admitting that Surykumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah have been pure loyalists for the Mumbai Indians side over the years despite that the South African legend hopes that Pandya will lift the IPL trophy with another franchise as well in the future.
“You can say that Surya and Bumrah were more loyal to the brand and Hardik moved on but he is back now. I was surprised to see the negative reaction to the announcement. Give the guy a chance to come back,” the former RCB player stated.
“I think they (MI) need at least a couple of fast bowlers. Maybe a spinner. That’s what they will be looking at. I hope they give Dewald Brevis game time in this IPL. Up the order with Rohit Sharma would be absolutely fantastic,” De Villiers voiced his thoughts on the team’s needs for the upcoming IPL season.