With an exciting 12-run victory over the Delhi Capitals in Sunday's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match, the Mumbai Indians got back to winning ways. With three crucial wickets in the middle overs, Karn Sharma proved to be MI's match-winner, and with one over remaining, a hat-trick of run-outs put an end to DC's pursuit.
Former MI captain Rohit Sharma was portrayed as the "mastermind" behind Karn's introduction with the "new ball" at that particular moment, while Karn Sharma's three wickets in the middle overs were considered the game-changing event. Sanjay Bangar and Sanjay Manjrekar, two former Indian cricket players, were not pleased to see Rohit, rather than captain Hardik, in the news for the "tactical change."
The 'direction' to include Impact Player Karn Sharma in the assault was praised by broadcaster Star Sports as well. Rohit, who replaced Karn in the second innings, reportedly spoke with MI's bowling coach Paras Mhambrey about the change before relaying it to head coach Mahela Jayawardene, who then gave captain Hardik instructions to follow suit.
Despite being on the bench, Rohit's tactical genius sent social media into overdrive as the Mumbai Indians won a fiercely contested game. However, commentators Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar weren't happy.
Sanjay Bangar said, "The credit behind the victory went to Rohit Sharma, but it should've been Karn Sharma and Hardik Pandya. While Karn was the one executed, Hardik gave instructions."
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Sanjay Manjrekar added, "There are many people who are there to give suggestions but it all depends on the person in the middle who has to take the decision. He (Hardik) listened to the advice (from Rohit) is the biggest thing. If you give Rohit credit here as well and not Hardik Pandya, it would be the wrong thing. If the suggestion had failed, you would've blamed Hardik. It's quite easy to give suggestions from outside. The entire credit for this (victory), should go to Hardik Pandya. Considering how emotional he has been (over Mumbai's recent results), it was an important win for him. It has been quite a difficult journey for him. Would be wrong if social media and others say that Mumbai Indians won because of Rohit Sharma's suggestions. Hardik Pandya is the captain, and he is the one taking decisions, no matter who is giving suggestions."
Rohit was viewed as an aggressive thinker from the Mumbai Indians' bench, despite his little batting contribution against Delhi. Even when MI coach Jayawardene called strategic timeouts, Rohit could be seen on the pitch discussing his thoughts on the state of the game. Although there is no doubting Rohit's strategic acumen, it would be unfair to deny Hardik the recognition he merits as well.
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