On Thursday, 18th Of July, 2024, the BCCI announced that Suryakumar Yadav will be the new Captain of the Indian T20I team, starting with India’s tour of Sri Lanka on July 27, 2024. Hardik Pandya wont continue as the vice-captain, at least for India’s tour of Sri Lanka. Suryakumar is taking over the T20I leadership from Rohit Sharma, who will now focus on leading the Indian ODI and Test teams. Shubman Gill will be Suryakumar’s deputy.
Mumbai Indians’ Influence on Indian Leadership
It’s interesting to note that the core of the Indian leadership group has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians for a long time. Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have all been key players for the Mumbai Indians since a couple of seasons, except for Hardik’s stint with the Gujarat Titans in the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons.
Mumbai Indians’ Role in Developing Leaders
This change shows how the Mumbai Indians have not only developed talented players but also great leaders for international cricket. The team has a history of producing outstanding captains who have gone on to achieve success in international cricket not only as players but also as Captains.
List Of Captains At Mumbai Indians So Far
| Player | Span | Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | Draw | NR | W/L | %W | %L | %NR | % |
| Harbhajan Singh | 2008-2012 | 30 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1.00 | 46.66 | 46.66 | 6.66 | 50.00 |
| SM Pollock | 2008-2008 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3.00 | 75.00 | 25.00 | 0.00 | 75.00 |
| SR Tendulkar | 2008-2011 | 55 | 32 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.39 | 58.18 | 41.81 | 0.00 | 58.18 |
| DJ Bravo | 2010-2010 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 100.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| RT Ponting | 2013-2013 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.00 | 50.00 | 50.00 | 0.00 | 50.00 |
| RG Sharma | 2013-2023 | 163 | 91 | 68 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1.33 | 55.82 | 41.71 | 0.00 | 57.05 |
| KA Pollard | 2014-2021 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.25 | 55.55 | 44.44 | 0.00 | 55.55 |
| SA Yadav | 2023-2023 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 100.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 100.00 |
| HH Pandya | 2024-2024 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.40 | 28.57 | 71.42 | 0.00 | 28.57 |
Harbhajan Singh led the Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2012, guiding them through 30 matches. Shaun Pollock had a short stint as captain in 2008, leading the team in just 4 matches, impressively winning 3 of them.
Sachin Tendulkar, one of cricket’s greatest players, captained the Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2011. During his leadership, the team won 32 out of 55 matches. Dwayne Bravo had a very brief role as captain in 2010, leading the team in just one match, which unfortunately ended in a loss.
In 2013, the legendary Ricky Ponting captained the team for 6 matches, winning half of them.
Rohit Sharma is the standout captain in Mumbai Indians’ history. From 2013 to 2023, he led the team in 163 matches and secured 91 victories. His impressive leadership role took Mumbai Indians to new heights. Rohit’s legacy can be called as a different gravy. The Hitman delivered 5 titles, in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and in 2020 respectively, with his astute leadership at the Mumbai Indians.
Kieron Pollard also contributed as captain between 2014 and 2021, leading the team in 9 matches and winning 5.
Suryakumar Yadav had a perfect record in his brief captaincy in 2023, winning the only match he led. Fans expect him to replicate his winning record as he now has been assigned as the in charge of the Indian T20I team.
Lastly while Hardik Pandya took on the captaincy in 2024, leading the team in 14 matches. Despite his best efforts, the team won only 4 of these matches. Apart from his leadership, Hardik’s contributions both to the Indian Cricket Team and to the Mumbai Indians have been vital over the years. The all-rounder was Rohit Sharma’s deputy at the Indian Cricket Team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Hardik also has been assigned the leadership role of a vice-captain for the Indian Cricket Team in the past.
Special Mention – Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has been the leader of the Mumbai Indians’ bowling group for almost a decade now. Bumrah also has gotten a taste of an international captaincy post representing the Mumbai Indians. He last led the Indian side against Ireland in 2023.
Bumrah first led the Indian Cricket Team during India’s 4th rescheduled test match against England in 2022 where regular skipper Rohit Sharma had to sit out due to COVID19.
Bumrah did a phenomenal job during his first outing as a captain. There is no doubt that he learnt and developed his leadership skills at the Mumbai Indians. Just as they say, birds of the same feather flock together.
Mumbai Indians’ Legacy of Leadership
Most of the players who have led the Mumbai Indians, at a certain stage in their career have led their international sides as well. And this isn’t just a coincidence. It’s the grooming they have done over the years that have reaped with the results.
Overall, the Mumbai Indians have always been successful in producing not only quality cricketers but also outstanding international captains.
With the MI trio on the leadership responsibilities all set to lead the Indian Cricket Team in Sri Lanka, the series would be an interesting one to watch out for.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
