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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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
