The usually lively crowd at Wankhede Stadium was subdued as the Mumbai Indians (MI) experienced one of their worst IPL seasons ever. The five-time champions, who once dominated the IPL, ended up at the bottom of the table with only four wins from 14 matches under new captain Hardik Pandya.
This disappointing season left the MI owners deeply disheartened. Following the final league game loss to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday, a dejected Nita Ambani addressed the dressing room. She spoke firmly about MI’s disastrous performance.
“Disappointing season for all of us. Things didn’t go the way we wanted them to, but I’m still a huge Mumbai Indians fan. Not just an owner.”
“I think wearing the Mumbai Indians jersey is a huge honor and a privilege, and to be associated with Mumbai Indians, for me, is an honor and a privilege. I think we will go back, review, and think about it,” Ambani said in a video posted on Mumbai Indian’s social media handle.
https://x.com/mipaltan/status/1792056139896754574
You have the support of all Indians: Nita Ambani
The Mumbai-based team made a difficult choice to relieve Rohit Sharma of his captaincy duties after nine years. The opener was anticipated to play with more freedom without the additional responsibility of leading the team.
Pandya, who had recently led the Gujarat Titans to the title in their debut season in 2022, was named as MI’s new captain before the season began. However, Pandya’s captaincy received criticism as each game passed for MI.
Ambani praised the honor of wearing the MI jersey and extended good wishes to the Indian team for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA.
“To Rohit, Hardik, Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) and (Jasprit) Bumrah, all Indians are cheering for you. We wish you all the best,” she added.
Her message suggested possible upcoming changes. With the mega auction in 2025 looming, the Mumbai management faces difficult decisions. Rohit’s future with the team appears uncertain, and there are also doubts surrounding Hardik’s captaincy.
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