IPL 2025: Ambati Rayudu, Sanjay Bangar get into heated discussion over Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya Leadership - Watch

A heated on-air exchange between Ambati Rayudu and Sanjay Bangar has intensified the spotlight on Mumbai Indians' turbulent IPL 2025 campaign, with the duo clashing over the leadership dynamic between Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma.

Former India all-rounder and ex-RCB coach Sanjay Bangar expressed his dissatisfaction with Mumbai Indians using Rohit Sharma purely as an Impact Player.

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo's TimeOut, Bangar argued that Rohit's on-field presence is invaluable, especially for his leadership and tactical acumen, having led MI to five IPL titles.

"I think Rohit's absence on the field is hurting from a leadership point of view. He could probably give Hardik the right input as well," Bangar said as quoted by Sports Tak.

But Ambati Rayudu, former CSK batter and IPL veteran, flatly disagreed.

"I don't think Hardik needs input. A captain needs to be left alone. It is his team, his input, and you cannot have 10 people in his ears like last year. Rohit is India's captain, and nobody wants to be in his ears when he is captaining. You should follow the same approach with Hardik here," Rayudu countered.

As Bangar pressed on, emphasizing the value of on-field experience and pointing to alternatives like Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma who don't bowl, Rayudu stood firm.

"No, captain has to be left alone, Sanjay bhai. Sorry," Rayudu cut him off.

Bangar, clearly irked, fired back to the former CSK player, saying, "For you, it was different because you never led an IPL team. But here is a guy who has led the team to multiple IPL titles."

"But it is not Rohit's team. It is Hardik Pandya's team," Rayudu insisted. While he acknowledged Rohit's stature, he maintained that leadership should remain singular and unambiguous.

"Rohit is a great leader; we all acknowledge that, but it is Hardik's team, and he will do whatever he sees fit. Rohit's input can always come from a substitute fielder."

Rayudu cited how MS Dhoni allowed Virat Kohli space during their leadership transition, reinforcing his belief that captains should not be micromanaged.

"Kohli used to be left alone. Dhoni was not at his ears all the time. Same for Rohit. Then why should Hardik have 10 people at his ears?"

When Bangar questioned, "Who are these 10 people?" Rayudu replied sharply, "You are saying Rohit, Suryakumar and then the coaches in the dugout."

The tension mirrors MI's struggles on the field. Under Hardik Pandya, the five-time champions have slumped, losing four of their first five games this season. Statistically, Hardik now holds the worst captaincy record in the franchise's history- 13 losses in 18 games.

As MI prepare to face Delhi Capitals on April 13, this debate only adds to the pressure. Hardik, once hailed for leading Gujarat Titans to the title in their debut season, now finds himself at a crossroads. The Paltans are currently in doldrums in the IPL 2025 with just one win in their first five matches.