Reports surfaced recently suggesting that there might be discontent within the Mumbai Indians (MI) camp, particularly in the wake of Hardik Pandya being named captain and his subsequent trade from Gujarat Titans.
Social media posts from players like Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah added fuel to these speculations. Some even hinted at the possibility of a trade involving key players such as Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.
CSK Responds to Rumor of approaching MI for Rohit, Surya and Bumrah for trade
However, Mumbai Indians have unequivocally refuted these rumors. Speaking at the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai, Chennai Super Kings’ CEO Kasi Viswanathan addressed the speculations surrounding a potential trade with MI. Viswanathan emphasized that CSK neither believes in nor practices player trading as a principle. He dismissed any talks of approaching MI for a trade, stating, “We don’t trade players as a principle, and we also don’t have players to trade with Mumbai Indians. We have not approached them, and we don’t intend to either.”
Mark Boucher, the head coach of Mumbai Indians, also downplayed reports of internal strife within the team. Acknowledging the emotions involved in the decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain, Boucher explained that it’s a natural transition phase for the team. He highlighted Rohit Sharma’s remarkable contribution to MI over the years and clarified that the decision to move forward with a new captain is part of a strategic transition.
Boucher acknowledged social media rumours but asserted that the internal handling of the situation was optimal. He emphasized the need to focus on the transitional phase, recognizing the decisions made by the team to progress and evolve.
Both teams denied the talks of such trade
Both CSK and MI have strongly denied any talks of a player trade involving Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, or Jasprit Bumrah. Mumbai Indians’ head coach emphasized the team’s commitment to a smooth transition, while Chennai Super Kings’ CEO clarified their stance on player trading as a matter of principle.
