Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya at a toss in IPL. (Courtesy: IPL/Twitter)

Mumbai Indians” decision to pass on the captaincy baton from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya drew a lot of flak on social media. The decision hurt their loyal fan base so much so that some fans burned their Mumbai Indians jersey and posted the video on social media. However, former India all-rounder and 2011 World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh has come out in support of the decision taken by Mumbai Indians.

The former India all-rounder said that although there can be no replacement for experience, the franchise has to think long-term and promote a young player. Yuvraj also said that he has faced a similar situation in his career and it is only fair from the franchise point of view.

“In franchise cricket, it always gets tough as you get old. Every franchise is always looking to promote a young player on whom they have spent a lot, and that is only fair. I have faced this situation too. But then, there can’t be a replacement for experience. Rohit has huge experience and has delivered. But a franchise has to think long term,” Yuvraj told The Times of India.

It, however, remains to be seen if Pandya recovers from his injury in time to lead the Mumbai Indians franchise on a full-time captaincy role for the first time. In his absence, Sharma is leading the Indian cricket team in the ongoing three-match T20 series against Afghanistan.

Under the captaincy of Sharma, Mumbai Indians rose as one of the most dominant franchise in IPL history, becoming the first to clinch five titles.