Former India cricketer advises Hardik Pandya to step back as captain, says Rohit Sharma should retake charge
Hardik Pandya Urged to Take Captaincy Break as Ex-India Star Backs Rohit Sharma Return for Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians’ difficult IPL 2026 campaign has sparked fresh debate over leadership after former India batter Manoj Tiwary suggested that Hardik Pandya should “take rest from captaincy” and allow Rohit Sharma to return as skipper. The comments came after Mumbai Indians suffered another disappointing defeat, increasing pressure on the five-time champions.
Tiwary’s remarks have quickly become a talking point among cricket fans, especially as Mumbai Indians continue to struggle despite having one of the strongest squads in the tournament.
Mumbai Indians’ Troubled Start to IPL 2026
The franchise entered IPL 2026 with high expectations, boasting star names such as Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav. However, results have not matched expectations.
Mumbai’s recent defeat to Punjab Kings marked their fourth loss of the season, leaving them in a difficult position on the points table. Questions are now being raised over tactics, team balance, and leadership decisions.
For a team known for dominating IPL seasons in the past, the current slide has alarmed both supporters and former players.
What Manoj Tiwary Said
Speaking after Mumbai’s latest setback, Manoj Tiwary did not hold back in his criticism of Hardik Pandya’s leadership.
According to Tiwary, Mumbai Indians’ captaincy has looked weak and reactive rather than proactive. He added that if the franchise wants to change its fortunes quickly, Hardik should step aside temporarily and hand over responsibility to Rohit Sharma.
Tiwary reportedly said he did not want to be overly harsh, but believed leadership decisions were hurting the team’s momentum.
Why Rohit Sharma’s Name Keeps Returning
Rohit Sharma remains Mumbai Indians’ most successful captain, having led the franchise to five IPL titles during his tenure.
Under Rohit, Mumbai developed a reputation for calm leadership, tactical clarity, and peaking during crunch stages of the tournament. Many fans still associate the team’s golden era with his captaincy.
That is why every poor result under new leadership inevitably brings comparisons with the former skipper.
Captaincy Change Still a Sensitive Topic
Mumbai Indians’ decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain had already created major debate before IPL 2026 began.
Many fans questioned the timing and manner of the transition, while others supported the idea of planning for the future with a younger captain.
Now, with losses mounting, that old debate has returned stronger than ever.
Tiwary even suggested removing Rohit earlier was unfair, arguing that a proven title-winning captain deserved more respect in the transition process.
Pressure on Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is no stranger to captaincy pressure. He previously led Gujarat Titans to an IPL title in 2022 and then another final appearance in 2023.
That record initially made him a logical leadership option for Mumbai Indians. However, leading MI comes with unique expectations because of the franchise’s history and passionate fanbase.
Every tactical move is closely scrutinized, and losses quickly turn into headline pressure.
Tactical Questions Raised
Former cricketers and analysts have recently questioned some of Mumbai’s on-field decisions, including bowling rotations, batting order flexibility, and powerplay strategy.
Tiwary specifically criticized the handling of key bowlers and batting combinations during the Punjab Kings loss, suggesting stronger decision-making was needed in pressure moments.
When a team with elite talent underperforms, captaincy often becomes the first area critics target.
What Mumbai Indians Need Right Now
Whether leadership changes happen or not, experts believe Mumbai Indians need immediate improvement in several areas:
- Better starts in batting powerplay
- Early wickets with the new ball
- Clearer finishing roles
- Stronger fielding intensity
- More settled team combinations
- Calm leadership under pressure
If those issues are fixed, the season can still be revived.
Fans Divided Over the Suggestion
Cricket fans have been split over Tiwary’s comments.
Some Support Rohit’s Return:
Many believe Rohit Sharma’s experience and proven success make him the best option to steady the team during a crisis.
Others Back Hardik:
Supporters argue that changing captains mid-season would create more instability and that Hardik deserves time to rebuild.
Neutral View:
Some fans feel leadership alone is not the issue and that senior players must also take more responsibility.
Rohit Sharma’s Position
Rohit has publicly remained professional and supportive despite no longer being captain. Reports earlier this season highlighted his message to help Mumbai Indians continue their legacy under the new setup.
That suggests no visible public tension, even if external debate continues.
What Happens Next?
Mumbai Indians now face a crucial phase of the season. Another couple of defeats could seriously damage playoff hopes, while a winning streak could quickly calm criticism.
Team management is unlikely to make emotional decisions based solely on outside comments. However, if poor results continue, leadership discussions may intensify.
