NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians’ much-needed 12-run win over table-toppers Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 has stirred a debate beyond the boundary ropes, with former India cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar locking horns on live television over who deserves credit for the tactical turnaround.
After Mumbai secured only their second win in six games, much of the post-match buzz on social media hailed former captain Rohit Sharma for a key tactical input that triggered Delhi’s batting collapse.
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With DC cruising in the chase, Rohit was seen animatedly discussing strategies with head coach Mahela Jayawardene and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey during the 13th over. He then appeared to signal skipper Hardik Pandya to bring in leg-spinner Karn Sharma and take the second new ball — a decision that led to the dismissals of Tristan Stubbs and KL Rahul, derailing Delhi’s chase.
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While Sanjay Bangar, on Star Sports, credited Rohit for the match-changing moment, saying, “Rohit should be credited for that wicket. He should get that pat on the back,” his co-panelist Manjrekar sharply disagreed.
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Was Rohit Sharma’s tactical input crucial to the win?
“It’s very easy to give a suggestion from outside,” Manjrekar retorted. “But had it gone wrong, people would have blamed Hardik. The entire credit should go to Hardik — he took the final call. He’s the captain. He’s under pressure. It was his call, and it paid off.”
The debate has since gone viral, dividing fans, adding yet another layer to the ongoing saga of leadership dynamics within the Mumbai Indians camp.
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