Emotional decision to change captain, but Rohit will be part of MI legacy: Jayawardene

Mumbai Indians' Global Head of Cricket Jayawardene admits replacing Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain was tough but necessary for future. Rohit will remain integral part of MI.

Mahela Jayawardene, Mumbai Indians' Global Head of Cricket, admitted that replacing Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as the team's captain was a tough decision but termed it a necessary call with future in mind.

Pandya's return to MI as captain had evoked sharp responses from the teams' fan base, but Jayawardene asserted that Rohit will remain an integral part of the side.

"It was a tough decision. It was emotional, to be honest. It's fair on the fans as well (to react). I think everyone is emotional and we have to respect that as well. But at the same time, as a franchise, you have to make those decisions," Jayawardene told JIO Cinema.

The former Sri Lanka captain said the decision was made after meaningful conversations.

"The legacy is something we want to build on and make sure we keep fighting for those wins, those trophies. That's the focus going ahead.

"Probably, everyone in their eyes will think it is too soon, but it is a decision we had to make at some point," Jayawardene said.

Jayawardene said Pandya fitted well into Mumbai's leadership environment.