Cricket

The Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise has been plagued by internal turmoil during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, with the captaincy change from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya creating significant rifts within the team.Reports have emerged that Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are not even practicing together in the middle. A recent incident witnessed Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma leaving the nets as Hardik Pandya arrived to bat.According to Dainik Jagaran, Hardik and Rohit have rarely practiced together this season. Before the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rohit was seen batting first, while Hardik was absent. As Rohit sat on the sidelines with Suryakumar and Tilak, Hardik came out to bat. Upon seeing the skipper, all three players reportedly got up and moved to the other side of the ground.The tension between Rohit and Hardik was further fueled by Rohit's conversation with KKR's assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, before the match. Rohit was overheard discussing the changes that had occurred at MI since Hardik took over as captain. He also hinted that this could be his last season with the franchise.With the IPL set to undergo a mega auction next season, it is unlikely that Rohit will be retained by MI. The franchise has invested in Hardik as their future captain. However, Rohit, who is still keen on playing for a few more seasons, may find opportunities with other IPL teams.The internal strife within the MI camp has had a detrimental impact on the team's performance. The once-dominant franchise has struggled to find consistency and has lost several matches. The captaincy change has created a divide between the players, and the team's morale appears to be low.

MS Dhoni Relinquishes CSK Captaincy, Hands Over Reins to Ruturaj GaikwadAhead of the commencement of IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has made a significant decision by stepping down as the team's captain. The mantle has been passed on to rising star Ruturaj Gaikwad, marking a new era for the franchise.Dhoni's decision, while anticipated by many, has evoked a wave of emotions among fans and within the CSK dressing room. As the "Thala" announced his resignation, tears flowed freely, reflecting the deep bond and respect he commands.Former SunRisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody offered an insightful perspective on Dhoni's move. He suggested that physical considerations may have played a role, given Dhoni's age and the demanding nature of wicket-keeping. Moody speculated that Dhoni may have questioned his ability to endure the entire tournament, leading him to make this decision to ensure the team's success.CSK head coach Stephen Fleming described the emotional atmosphere in the dressing room when Dhoni broke the news. "There were a lot of emotions. A whole lot of tears. There wasn't a dry eye in the dressing room. Everyone was moved," Fleming said. He also expressed confidence in Gaikwad's leadership abilities, despite his reserved nature.This is not the first time Dhoni has relinquished the CSK captaincy. Two years ago, he handed over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja, but that move proved unsuccessful, with Dhoni being reinstated mid-season. However, Fleming believes this transition will be different, with Gaikwad having the qualities to lead the team effectively.Dhoni's decision marks a significant chapter in CSK's history. The legendary wicketkeeper-batsman has been an integral part of the franchise since its inception, leading them to four IPL titles. His departure as captain signals a changing of the guard, with Gaikwad now tasked with carrying the legacy forward.