Mumbai Indians sack Rohit Sharma as captain, Hardik to lead side in 2024 IPL
In a notable leadership transition, Mumbai Indians have appointed Hardik Pandya as the captain for the upcoming IPL 2024, succeeding Rohit Sharma. Rohit, who led Mumbai to five IPL titles, shares the record for the most successful captain in the tournament's history with Chennai Super Kings' MS Dhoni.
This decision to elevate Hardik to the captaincy role comes shortly after he returned to his original franchise from Gujarat Titans, where he led the team to a title and runners-up finish in consecutive seasons. Mumbai Indians cited the move as a strategic initiative to ensure they remain "future-ready."
Mumbai's global head of performance, Mahela Jayawardene, commented on the leadership change, stating, "It is part of legacy building and staying true to the MI philosophy of being future-ready. Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership right from Sachin [Tendulkar] to Harbhajan [Singh] and Ricky [Ponting] to Rohit, who while contributing to the immediate success have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future."
Expressing gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his outstanding leadership since 2013, Jayawardene highlighted Rohit's extraordinary contribution to Mumbai Indians' unparalleled success. Rohit's guidance and experience are expected to continue playing a crucial role within the team.
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Delhi to have 106 additional buses, 60 extra trips by metro trains to combat air pollution
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said an additional 106 cluster buses would ply in the city while metro trains would make 60 extra trips in view of GRAP-3 measures imposed due to worsening air quality.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed GRAP 3 measures as the national capital recorded the worst pollution levels in the country, with the air quality remaining in the "severe" category for two consecutive days.
On Friday too the city's air quality was in the severe category with an AQI of 411.
In a press briefing, Rai said interstate buses except for e-buses and CNG vehicles have been banned. Additionally, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers have been prohibited, he said.
To boost public transport and reduce the use of private vehicles, the minister announced the introduction of an additional 106 cluster bus services by the Delhi Transport Corporation and 60 additional trips by metro trains.
Emergency measures, such as artificial rain, will be considered if the air quality deteriorates further, the minister said, adding that he would Centre about it again.
Private construction and demolition activities have been banned under GRAP III measures, he said.
"We are working on making GRAP-3 measures more effective in Delhi," Rai said and urged people to use bicycles to travel short distances, rely on public transport and carpool or work from home whenever possible.
He added that an inter-departmental meeting was held on Friday with officials from the MCD, PWD, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, transport, DTC, Metro, Education, and other departments concerned to strengthen the winter action plan.
