Sachin Tendulkar has surrendered the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians IPL team, handing it over to Harbhajan Singh. The changeover, the team management said, was smooth. Harbhajan will now lead from the beginning of the IPL V, which takes off on April 4 with a match between MI and Chennai Super Kings.
Tendulkar, who has had a poor record as a captain of the Indian team, said he had a discussion with owners Mukesh and Nita Ambani before taking the decision. “At this point of time, I feel I need a break from the responsibility of captaincy. I discussed this with Mukeshbhai and Nitabhabhi.
I was touched by the graciousness and wholehearted support they offered me. Mumbai Indians is more than a team. It is like a family to me,” Tendulkar said. “Harbhajan will have my wholehearted support,” he added.
Harbhajan said it is an honour to lead the team. “Sachin paaji spoke to me about his decision. It is a huge honour and I thank paaji and Nitabhabhi for the faith reposed in my abilities,” the off-spinner, who led the side to title in the Champions League Twenty20 last year in the absence of Tendulkar, said. “I am committed to do the very best and look forward to leading the team.”
Tendulkar has had a mixed bag as MI captain. In the first season, the team failed to qualify for the semifinals and in the second year, they finished seventh. In the third year, they were the runners-up to Chennai Super Kings and last year, the team was knocked out in the play-offs.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the team said Tendulkar’s decision to step down had nothing to do with his availability. The Master Blaster, the spokesman said, will be available for the entire Season Five of the IPL.
–Agencies