The Mumbai Indians, five-time IPL champions, are facing a storm of speculation and discontent after replacing long-time captain Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya. This brewing controversy took an intriguing turn when former star player Kieron Pollard posted a cryptic message on Instagram that alluded to “loyalty ending when benefits stop.”
Pollard's Story shows that no more One Family for Mumbai Indians, but for Rohit Sharma yes it still a One Family.🥺 pic.twitter.com/7R0PbuMYxE
— Tanay Vasu (@tanayvasu) January 7, 2024
Fans immediately saw a connection between Pollard’s post and the captaincy shake-up. This speculation was further fueled by similar cryptic messages from other key players: Jasprit Bumrah’s “silence is sometimes the best answer” and Suryakumar Yadav’s heartbroken emoji.
Pollard, a Mumbai Indians stalwart since 2010, was instrumental in their numerous victories. Though retired from the IPL, his influence within the team remains strong. His cryptic post, therefore, carries significant weight and has led fans to believe he might be questioning the loyalty shown to Rohit under the new leadership.
Adding to the tension, Mumbai Indians’ Global Head of Cricket, Mahela Jayawardene, admitted the captaincy change was difficult but essential for the team’s future. However, fans, particularly Rohit supporters, find this explanation unconvincing.
The “One Family” motto of the Mumbai Indians seems to be fracturing. Pollard’s message, interpreted as support for Rohit, suggests deep divisions within the team. This is further solidified by reports of Rohit maintaining his “One Family” stance, implying a disconnect with the new management.
Meanwhile, Pollard’s appointment as assistant coach for England’s white-ball team adds another layer of complexity. Some see this as a sign of his distancing himself from the turbulent waters of Mumbai Indians, while others speculate it’s a neutral career move.
With the IPL season approaching, the situation in the Mumbai Indians camp remains volatile. The cryptic messages, fueled by fan speculation, have created an atmosphere of mistrust and unease. Whether the team can overcome this internal conflict and find success on the field is a question that remains unanswered.
