(Cricket News) Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher has shed light on the decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain for the upcoming IPL edition.

Boucher emphasized that the move was purely a cricketing decision, highlighting the opportunity to reintegrate Hardik as a player. He sees it as a transition phase, emphasizing the need to take emotions out of the equation and believes the change will bring out the best in Rohit, allowing him to enjoy his batting and score runs.

Boucher noted the distractions and pressures associated with captaincy in the IPL, mentioning the non-cricketing commitments like photoshoots and advertising. He expressed concern that these factors might have taken a toll on Rohit, who has been captaining for a long time and has also been leading the Indian team.

The coach stressed the importance of Rohit stepping back as a player and highlighted the opportunity for him to play without the added pressure of captaincy in the IPL. Despite continuing to captain India, the move aims to allow Rohit to enjoy the game more and hopefully bring out his best form. Boucher expressed the desire to see Rohit playing with a smile on his face and spending quality time with his family.

Boucher also praised Hardik Pandya’s leadership, acknowledging his success as captain with Gujarat Titans in his first year. He highlighted Pandya’s Mumbai Indians connection and recognized his strong leadership skills.

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