IPL 2024: Have Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya unfollowed each other on Instagram after MI captain fiasco?

By Team Asianet Newsable  |  First Published Feb 8, 2024, 4:27 PM IST

Weeks after Mumbai Indians replaced skipper Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya, reports on Thursday surfaced suggesting that the two cricketers have unfollowed each other on Instagram, sparking further speculation and discussion online.


The buzz surrounding Hardik Pandya's appointment as the new skipper of the Mumbai Indians ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has dominated headlines in recent times. Pandya's move to MI after a successful stint with the Gujarat Titans marked a significant shift, ending Rohit Sharma's ten-year captaincy tenure with the franchise.

Also read: Despite Dravid's 'play some cricket' plea, Ishan Kishan training with Pandya brothers raises eyebrows

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Following the announcement, MI coach Mark Boucher provided insight into the decision, which drew criticism, including a response from Rohit's wife Ritika Sajdeh. Shortly after the incident, reports surfaced suggesting that the two cricketers have unfollowed each other on Instagram, sparking further speculation and discussion online.

Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma unfollow each other on Instagram😳 pic.twitter.com/3Zbxmi2UGh

— Satish Mishra🇮🇳 (@SATISHMISH78)

Hardik did follow I have seen it in his following list and after becoming captain of MI he unfollowed Rohit

— cricket fan (@enigmatic1045)

Yet, the validity of the rumors remained unverified, prompting social media users to present diverse viewpoints. Some asserted that the duo had never followed each other on Instagram, while others claimed that Hardik ceased following Rohit, rather than the reverse.

Lol they both never followed in Instagram

— Aravind Rohit 💙 (@Leodass__45)

They never followed each other from years now. and they are not best of friends

— Subodh Chavan (@subc77777)

Previously, Boucher addressed the decision to remove Rohit Sharma as captain, stating that the franchise seeks to enhance the star batter's contribution to the team as a batsman and to enable him to relish his game more.

In December, Mumbai Indians (MI), the five-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), made the announcement that Hardik Pandya, the talismanic all-rounder, would assume the leadership role for the team in the 2024 edition of the league. Hardik Pandya returned to the Mumbai franchise after guiding the Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in its debut season and reaching the final in the subsequent edition.

This decision involved replacing Rohit as the skipper, who had led the franchise to five titles since assuming leadership in 2013.

Also read: IPL 2024: Why Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as MI captain? Coach Boucher reveals real reason (WATCH)

In November of last year, Pandya made a return from the Gujarat Titans (GT) to his former franchise as part of a trade between the two teams. The star all-rounder spent two remarkable years with GT, leading their campaign in the cash-rich league with excellence. In GT's inaugural season in 2022, Hardik played a pivotal role in their fairytale journey, culminating in the team lifting the coveted trophy.

Despite their impressive run, they finished as runners-up in their second season after a thrilling final against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) earlier this year, which ended with a last-ball defeat.

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