CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress / ITDC News Bhopal: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh feels “unity” in the dressing room will hold the key for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). MI fans have been divided ever since the franchises decided to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain of the franchise, with long-serving skipper Rohit Sharma set to play under him. There have been rumours of a possible rift between Rohit and Hardik, who greeted each other with a rather awkward hug during MI’s training session on Wednesday.

Harbhajan feels it will be difficult to stop MI this season if the dressing room is united. The former MI player also said that the decision to change captain could’ve been avoided this year.

“We hope that MI play as a unit, because if they do that, it would be difficult to stop them. For Hardik, and for the management, the big challenge is to unify the team. As much as I know Rohit Sharma, he’s a very simple guy. He will never talk about this decision publicly. But one thing is certain, a five-time champion, and the guy who almost won the World Cup… it is shocking. Maybe, this decision could have been delayed by an year. Ability wise, Hardik Pandya is well capable. But the team will only win if it is unified. That’s the biggest challenge for MI,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.

Harbhajan also addressed the talks surrounding Rohit’s form, saying that the former MI captain might be in for his best season in the IPL, adding that the veteran batter will have a point to prove.

“There has been no statement from Rohit Sharma on this entire saga. He’s a quiet person, he will just move on from this. I think he will give his best shot, and support Hardik and the team. On the inside, there might be some anguish. Maybe, this will be Rohit Sharma’s best season in IPL. Because sometimes, you have to show that you are still pretty capable. Jo chingaari ki zarurat thi, vo lag chuki hai. Ab aag me kaise convert karenge, vo dekhna hai (The spark is there, he just have to start the fire),” he added.

MI will face Hardik’s former franchise Gujarat Titans in their opening match on Sunday, March 24.