Tendulkar calls it a day as Mumbai Indians skipper, hands over the captaincy to Harbhajan

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar on Monday decided to quit as skipper of the Mumbai Indians team and handed over the captaincy to Harbhajan Singh in the fifth edition of IPL beginning from April 4. According to media a release issued by the franchisee, Sachin said that he felt the need of a break from the responsibility of captaincy and after due consideration, he discussed his intention to hand over the captainship of the team to Harbhajan Singh, with Mukesh and Nita Ambani.

"Sachin Tendulkar, in discussion with the management of Mumbai Indians, has decided to hand over the responsibilities of captaining Mumbai Indians in Season V of the Indian Premier League to ace off-spinner Harbhajan Singh,” a press release issued by Mumbai Indians stated.

"The Mumbai Indians is more than a team. It is like a family to me. At this point of time, I feel I need a break from the responsibility of captaincy of the Mumbai Indians. After due consideration, I discussed my intention to hand over the Captainship of the team to Harbhajan Singh, with Mukeshbhai and Nitabhabhi," Tendulkar was quoted, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Sachin Tendulkar may — in his own words — still be “desperately in love” with cricket but he's clearly had enough of captaincy, writes The Times Of India. “Harbhajan will have my support as the senior-most player,” Sachin said.

On the other hand Nita Ambani said Sachin had the franchise's full support, adds TOI. “It was a very difficult moment when Sachin expressed his desire to relinquish the captaincy. I have learnt a lot during the last three seasons working with Sachin closely and he is the soul of Mumbai Indians. I am sure he will guide Bhajii as he takes on the responsibility,” she said.

Meanwhile according to Hindustan Times, Harbhajan said Tendulkar spoke with him about his decision and thanked his senior colleague for reposing faith in him. “Tendulkar has gone through a tough phase of his life and wanted to take the pressure off himself. He has done so many things for us and I’ll be more than happy if I can fulfill his wish and lead the side to a successful IPL campaign,” Harbhajan said.