Chennai Super Kings have denied speculation of being involved in a trade deal with Mumbai Indians for some of their star players, including Rohit Sharma. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan highlighted that the 5-time champions are not open to trading their players, confirming that they did not approach Mumbai Indians for any such negotiations.
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Mumbai Indians’ decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain after he returned to the franchise in a historic trade deal led to rumours of unrest in their camp. Hardik replaced Rohit Sharma as captain and the move came as a shock to several fans, who tore into the decision-making of the 5-time champions.
Mumbai Indians did not carry any comment from Rohit Sharma when they announced the change in captaincy with Global Head of Cricket Mahela Jayawardene saying the call was taken in mind to be future-ready. Social media was abuzz with rumours of several Mumbai Indians senior players, including Rohit, wanting a move out of the franchise after Hardik’s return and elevation to captaincy.
“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,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said during the IPL auction, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
FULL LIST OF SOLD AND UNSOLD PLAYERS
Chennai Super Kings have been involved in very few trades, notably the one involving Robin Uthappa from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2022. The MS Dhoni-led franchise have relied on a stable core and it has brought them success over the years.
Even as Rohit Sharma left for South Africa to prepare for an upcoming 2-Test series in which he will lead Team India, Mahele Jayawardene said the India captain will be an integral member of the Mumbai Indians camp, on and off the field.
WHAT DID MUMBAI INDIANS SAY?
The IPL 2024 trade window which closed a week before the IPL mini-auction will open on December 20 and continue until a month before the start of the next season. The schedule for IPL 2024 is yet to be announced by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI).
“”Having Ro (Rohit Sharma) in the team, on and off the field to guide the next generation is very important for us. He has been absolutely brilliant. I have worked very closely with Ro. He is a fabulous individual and I am sure he will be part of the legacy who will guide that through,” Jayawardene said in Dubai.
There will be pressure on Hardik Pandya on his homecoming as the young captain needs to keep a healthy dressing room as Mumbai Indians look to end their 3-year-long title drought.
Hardik, who spent 7 years at Mumbai Indians before going to Gujarat Titans, found instant success as captain, leading the Titans to title in 2022 and to the final in 2023. Hardik also had opportunities to lead India in T20Is following his success in the IPL. He captained in 11 T20Is in 2023 when Rohit Sharma stayed away from the shortest format of the game to prepare for the ODI World Cup.
