A heartfelt and emotional moment unfolded outside the Shirdi shrine recently when a Mumbai Indians fan made a direct appeal to Nita Ambani, the owner of the IPL franchise. The fan, with folded hands, requested her to reinstate Rohit Sharma as captain of the Mumbai Indians, citing the team’s inconsistent form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
What Exactly Happened?
As Nita Ambani was leaving the holy temple in Shirdi, a fan approached her and humbly said:
“Rohit Sharma ko captain banao”
(Make Rohit Sharma the captain.)
In response, Nita Ambani smiled and replied:
“Baba ki marzi”
(It’s up to God’s will.)
This simple yet profound answer reflected both respect for the fan’s emotions and an understanding that the decision about team leadership isn’t purely emotional but strategic — and perhaps influenced by the team’s future plans.
Why Are Fans Requesting Rohit Sharma Back as Captain?
The request from the fan stems from Mumbai Indians’ disappointing start to the IPL 2025 season. Here’s a breakdown:
- Mumbai Indians have played 6 matches so far.
- Out of these, they’ve managed to win only 2 games.
- This has placed them at 7th position in the points table.
The rough start triggered frustration among loyal fans who associate Mumbai Indians’ golden era with Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Under his leadership, MI has lifted the IPL trophy five times (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020).
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles as a Batsman
Interestingly, while fans demand his return as captain, Rohit Sharma’s individual form this season has been underwhelming:
- Total Runs: 56
- Matches Played: 5
- Average: 11.20
- Highest Score: Below 20 in any match this season.
Since 2023, his batting average in the IPL has dropped to 24.39, making it the second-lowest for any opener with a minimum of 25 innings played.
Additionally, Mumbai Indians have experimented by using Rohit as an Impact Player substitute in two matches this season — a clear indication that the team management isn’t fully convinced about his current form.
Why Is Hardik Pandya Still the Captain?
Even though fans are nostalgic for Rohit’s leadership, the Mumbai Indians’ management continues to back Hardik Pandya as their skipper.
- Hardik Pandya was handed the captaincy in 2024 after returning from Gujarat Titans where he led them to an IPL title in 2022.
- Mumbai’s management sees him as a long-term leader and a dynamic all-rounder capable of shaping the future of the franchise.
- Despite the slow start this season, the franchise isn’t ready to make a sudden switch, believing stability is crucial.
Mumbai Indians’ Recent Matches: Performance Recap
- Lost to Gujarat Titans (Match 1)
- Lost to Chennai Super Kings (Match 2)
- Won against Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede
- Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB’s first win at Wankhede in 10 years!)
- Won against Delhi Capitals by 12 runs at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Their upcoming matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings at home will be crucial in determining their chances of climbing back into playoff contention.
Conclusion
The fan’s request to Nita Ambani highlights the deep emotional connection that fans share with Rohit Sharma — a player who has been the face of Mumbai Indians’ success for years. However, cricket is a results-driven sport, and both form and strategy play big roles in management decisions.
Nita Ambani’s thoughtful reply — “Baba ki marzi” — suggests that the future of leadership for Mumbai Indians is still an open discussion, and anything could happen depending on how the rest of the season unfolds.