‘You never led an IPL team’ – Former India players get into heated war of words over Rohit Sharma’s usage as impact sub

Mumbai Indians (MI) have endured yet another poor start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. The five-time winners lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the last game by 12 runs. With just nine matches left to play, MI need to put up a string of wins to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Former skipper Rohit Sharma was the cause of debate between two former India players during their appearance on ESPN Cricinfo. Sanjay Bangar and Ambati Rayudu were chatting after the MI vs RCB game when Bangar made a point about Rohit being used as an impact player. According to the former India batting coach, Rohit Sharma being in the field could help Hardik Pandya in terms of captaincy inputs. 

The former India batting coach had said, “I want to ask you one question, Rayudu. I think Rohit's absence on the field is hurting from a leadership point of view. He could probably give Hardik the right input as well.”

Ambati Rayudu’s curt reply to Sanjay Bangar

To which Rayudu came up with a curt reply and said, “I don't think Hardik needs input. A captain needs to be left alone. It is his team, his input, and you cannot have 10 people in his ears like last year. Rohit is India's captain, and nobody wants to be in his ears when he is captaining. You should follow the same approach with Hardik here.”

Just when Bangar tried to say something, Rayudu cut him off and added, “No captain has to be left alone, Sanjay bhai. Sorry." Rayudu has been called out by many fans on social media for his commentary. Not one to back down, Bangar reminded Rayudu that the latter hadn’t led any IPL side. 

“But you look, when you get an impact sub in, you are looking at specialists. And if I have to look at the other options, MI have Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma, who don't bowl. So, in the T20 setup, having that kind of experience in the field is of immense value. For you, it was different because you never led an IPL team. But here is a guy who has led the team to multiple IPL titles,” said Sanjay Bangar

Rayudu, though, was adamant about his view and said, “But he is not the captain anymore. It is Hardik's team. Let's not get into that debate. Rohit is a great leader; we all acknowledge that, but it is Hardik's team, and he will do whatever he sees fit. Rohit's input can always come from a substitute fielder. He does not have to be on the field for that.”

This is when Bangar put in his final word and said, “The message does not always come from the former captain. It comes from the management.” Mumbai Indians next play Delhi Capitals away from home on Sunday. Yet another loss will mean that MI will be on thin ice as far as qualifications for the playoffs are concerned.