MI told not to repeat Rohit Sharma mistake with Hardik Pandya: ‘Now SKY is hot topic, next year will be someone else’

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif urged the five-time champions to stay patient with Hardik Pandya, warning against repeating past mistakes.

Updated on: Mar 25, 2026, 18:03:06 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Mumbai Indians boast a dressing room packed with leadership experience, with senior figures like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav having guided India to major T20 success. A couple of seasons ago, the franchise made a bold call by handing the captaincy to Hardik Pandya, ending Rohit’s long and decorated stint that brought five IPL titles. The decision didn’t go down well with sections of the fanbase, especially with Hardik arriving from Gujarat Titans and immediately taking charge. Despite the noise, Mumbai Indians managed to reach the playoffs last season. However, expectations remain high, and the focus now is firmly on adding another trophy to their already impressive record.

Mohammad Kaif advised Mumbai Indians to stick with Hardik Pandya as their skipper. (PTI)

With Suryakumar fresh off leading India to a T20 World Cup win, talk has picked up around his leadership credentials. Some believe Mumbai Indians could consider a change at the top, with suggestions growing that he might take over from Hardik.

Amid growing chatter, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif urged the five-time champions to stay patient with Hardik, warning against repeating past mistakes and backing the all-rounder’s progress as a leader after guiding the side deep into the playoffs last season.

"I don't think that Mumbai Indians should make the same mistake again. They had a poor season after removing Rohit Sharma and bringing Hardik Pandya in. Hardik Pandya is settling in his role now. They played Qualifier 2 last year. So, Hardik Pandya did a good job as captain," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

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“Hardik Pandya was the hot topic then, Suryakumar Yadav now”

Continuing his argument, Kaif cautioned MI against making impulsive leadership calls, pointing out how trends change quickly and warning that chasing the “next big option” like Suryakumar could lead to repeated instability.

"Suryakumar Yadav is an option, but it should not happen like how they treated Rohit Sharma, saying now we have Hardik Pandya, who made Gujarat champions, so he will captain now. Hardik was the hot topic then, and they pushed him. Now Suryakumar Yadav is the hot topic. Next year, there will be someone else, so will you remove Surya?" he added.

Mumbai Indians will open their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at home on March 29.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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