Former Mumbai Indians spinner Rahul Chahar made a huge statement on Hardik Pandya taking over as captain from Rohit Sharma for IPL 2024. Chahar emphasized that leadership changes are part of a team’s journey and added that players should give their best for the side, regardless of who is the captain.
Hardik Pandya was appointed captain of the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024. The all-rounder took over from Rohit Sharma. However, the move sparked displeasure among Rohit’s fans, with Pandya facing boos and hostility across venues, including the home ground, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Pandya, who had previously captained the Gujarat Titans in 2022 and 2023, returned to MI through a high-profile ₹15 crore trade. To make matters worse, the team finished at the bottom of the points table.
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Every Team Will Have Its Time – Rahul Chahar on Hardik Pandya-Rohit Sharma Captaincy Switch
In an interview with Filmygyan, Rahul Chahar emphasized that leadership decisions depend on the player’s connection with the franchise. He added that internal changes should not affect on-field performance.
“Life goes on. Every team will have its time, there will be new captains. We can’t tell anything like that. It is about their connection and who they want to make the captain. But I think it is important as to what you do for the team,” Chahar said.
“Even as a player, Rohit is cool. It’s all perfect unless you don’t have needs from someone. I think that’s what MI wanted, that give your 100% and nothing should be seen on anyone’s face. Not only MI, be it any team,” he added.
Chahar represented the Mumbai Indians for three seasons, from 2019 to 2021. He won the IPL title twice with the Mumbai Indians, in 2019 and 2020. He played 39 matches and took 41 wickets for the franchise.
Rohit Sharma Would Put His Arms On My Shoulder – Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar played under Rohit Sharma at the Mumbai Indians. Chahar lauded Rohit for his leadership and calming presence. He stated that Rohit’s trust and encouragement helped him stay composed under pressure.
“The way he gives confidence, I think it is very important. A leader trusting a player is very important. I remember times where he looks at my face and feels like I am under pressure, he would put his arms on my shoulder and tell me some random things, not only about cricket, something like be chill. He is very chill,” Chahar said.
Rohit Sharma Came and Told Me to Lead the Team – Rahul Chahar
The leg-spinner recalled a moment from IPL 2020 when he had a tough outing against Delhi Capitals, conceding 35 runs in two overs without taking a wicket. However, the Mumbai Indians won the match by 57 runs.
Chahar said that Rohit Sharma told him not to dwell on a single bad game and urged him to lead the team with confidence.
“One incident I cannot forget. We had a semi-final against Delhi in 2020. I went for 30 runs or something off two overs. I kept my head low after the game. Rohit came and told me to lead the team while going back. He told me so what if one game went bad, the whole season was good, right? come walk in front and lead the way. He always motivates us,” Chahar opined.
Chahar made his international debut in a T20I against the West Indies in 2019 under Virat Kohli. However, he played only one ODI and six T20Is, with his last international outing in 2021.
Chahar played in IPL 2025 for SunRisers Hyderabad. The leg-spinner featured in just a single match, which was against his former team, the Mumbai Indians.
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