The Mumbai Indians' choice to utilize their former captain Rohit Sharma as an impact substitute has drawn criticism from ex-India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. He believes that MI captain Hardik Pandya would benefit from having the seasoned player, who has led the team to five IPL championships and is a T20 World Cup-winning captain, during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday at Wankhede Stadium, where the home team suffered a 12-run defeat. However, Bangar found himself in disagreement with former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who argued that Hardik should be allowed to operate independently.

Despite his ongoing struggles with the bat in the IPL, Rohit Sharma has been deployed as an impact substitute twice this season, with the first instance occurring in the recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders at home. In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Bangar suggested that there are more effective ways to integrate the 37-year-old into the MI lineup and emphasized the importance of his experience on the field to assist Hardik during challenging moments in a match. Conversely, Rayudu contended that a captain should be autonomous and capable of making his own decisions. This disagreement ignited a spirited discussion between the two, culminating in Bangar making a pointed remark towards Rayudu, suggesting that he might not fully grasp the situation since he has never captained an IPL team. The exchange unfolded as follows:

Bangar: I would like to pose a question, Rayudu. I believe Rohit's absence on the field is detrimental from a leadership perspective. He could provide Hardik with valuable insights.

Rayudu: I don't believe Hardik requires any input. A captain should be allowed to operate independently. It is his team, and he should have the freedom to make decisions without interference, similar to how we treat Rohit when he is leading India. The same principle should apply to Hardik.

Bangar: I...

Rayudu: (interrupting) No captain should be left to fend for themselves, Sanjay bhai. My apologies.

Bangar: However, when you introduce an impact substitute, you are considering specialists. If I evaluate the alternatives, MI has Naman Dhir and Tilak, who do not bowl. In a T20 context, having that level of experience on the field is extremely valuable. Your situation was different since you have never captained an IPL team. But here we have someone who has led the team to several IPL championships.

Rayudu: Nevertheless, he is no longer the captain. This is Hardik's team now. Let's avoid that discussion. Rohit is undoubtedly an excellent leader, and we all recognize that, but it is Hardik's team, and he will make decisions as he sees fit. Rohit's insights can still be provided through a substitute fielder; he does not need to be on the field for that.

Bangar: The communication does not solely come from the former captain; it also originates from the management.

At this moment, the anchor swiftly reminded both parties that India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, remains on the field to support Hardik, and that decisions regarding the playing XI are generally made collectively, involving the entire team management. He also drew a parallel to RCB, noting that even though Rajat Patidar is the new captain, Virat Kohli, who excels as a fielder, particularly at the boundary, will always be present on the field, unlike Rohit. However, the intense discussion persisted...

Bangar: He has a deeper understanding of the MI setup.

Rayudu: It’s not about that. Kohli was often left to his own devices. Dhoni didn’t constantly advise him. The same applies to Rohit. So why should Hardik have ten people constantly advising him?

Bangar: Who are these ten people?

Rayudu: You mentioned Rohit, Suryakumar, and then the coaches in the dugout.

Jayawardene backs Rohit to come good

Mahela Jayawardene, the head coach of MI, acknowledged that the team's performance during the powerplay has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding Rohit's inability to perform effectively.

“Instead of naming individuals, the powerplay phase poses a challenge for us both with bat and ball. In recent matches, we have conceded too many runs while bowling during the powerplay, and we have struggled to secure solid starts, often losing wickets, especially at Wankhede Stadium,” he stated.

Despite this, he expressed his support for the 37-year-old, who has recorded scores of 0, 8, 13, and 17 in recent outings, believing he will overcome these difficulties, particularly against left-arm pace bowlers. Rohit has fallen victim to this type of bowling twice, including in the match against RCB where Yash Dayal claimed his wicket.

“For right-handed batsmen, facing left-arm pace is a common challenge. This has been a factor for many years; I recall Wasim Akram excelling in this area for a long time. It’s simply a natural angle that creates space,” he remarked.

“I am confident that Rohit has been diligently working on this aspect. He is a seasoned player and has been practicing hard. I don’t believe that left-arm pace is a significant issue for him; he was aiming to provide us with a strong start and played some excellent shots.

“Yash delivered a well-executed ball, with late swing and a fuller length, which breached Rohit’s defense. After playing for so long, it’s important to acknowledge the skill of the bowlers as well. I wouldn’t overanalyze this situation, but I am certain that Rohit will put in the effort to improve,” he added.

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