Cricket

The India vs England Test series has been a resounding success for the hosts, who have clinched the series with one match to spare despite missing several key players. The victory is a testament to the depth and resilience of the Indian team, as well as the astute leadership of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar hailed the team's achievement, emphasizing that it sends a message to those who believe India cannot win without its biggest stars. He recalled the team's triumph in Australia three years ago, when they overcame the absence of several senior players to pull off a historic victory.Gavaskar praised the young players who have stepped up in the absence of the regulars, showcasing their heart and determination. He believes that the team's success is not dependent on individual brilliance but on the collective spirit and teamwork.Credit must also go to Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid for their astute management of the team. They have provided opportunities to young players, encouraged them to play their natural game, and instilled a winning mentality.Former Australia captain Ian Chappell highlighted Rohit Sharma's leadership skills, which he believes are often overlooked. Chappell praised Rohit's ability to handle the numerous personnel changes and the tough loss in the first Test, as well as his match-winning century in the third Test.The series has been a showcase for the talent and potential of India's young players. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Akash Deep, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan have all impressed with their performances. However, it is the leadership of Rohit Sharma that has been the glue that has held the team together and guided them to victory.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to witness a new era as Hardik Pandya takes over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians, succeeding the legendary Rohit Sharma. This decision has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts, with many wondering how Pandya will fare in his new role.Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel believes that Pandya will face immense pressure while leading the Mumbai Indians. He acknowledges that Pandya's captaincy stint with the Gujarat Titans was successful, leading them to the championship in their inaugural season. However, Patel emphasizes that replacing a five-time title-winning captain like Rohit Sharma, who has been at the helm of Mumbai Indians for 10 years, will be a challenging task.Patel highlights that Mumbai Indians fans have high expectations from their team, and qualifying for the playoffs is not considered a success; winning championships is the ultimate goal. He believes that the decision to appoint Pandya as captain is well-thought-out, considering the franchise's transitional phase.Former India player Wasim Jaffer shares similar sentiments, stating that Hardik Pandya's return to Mumbai Indians as captain will evoke mixed emotions among the fans. He anticipates a full house at the stadium for the opening match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 24. Jaffer believes that Pandya will aim to make a strong statement in his first game as captain and set an example for the team.The decision to remove Rohit Sharma from the captaincy may have been met with mixed reactions, but it was made with the intention of ushering in a new era for Mumbai Indians. The franchise is looking to transition smoothly and build a team that can continue their legacy of success.