Hardik Pandya, the new Mumbai Indians captain, faced the press ahead of the IPL 2024 and revealed that he is yet to have a word with his predecessor Rohit Sharma. Hardik was signed as a trade from Gujarat Titans, a franchise he decided to join two years ago.
Pandya was bought by MI in an all-cash deal and as a surprise was named the captain of the franchise as well. Hardik had a good record as GT captain, winning the IPL in 2022 and taking the team to the final in IPL 2023. In between, he captained the India team in T20Is and ODIs as well, with some success.
In a press conference, Hardik Pandya said he is looking forward to working closely with Rohit Sharma in the upcoming IPL 2024. Hardik Pandya said he hasn't yet spoken in detail about the upcoming season to Rohit Sharma, adding that he would do so in their training session.
"First of all, it won't be any different because he is going to be there to help me out, if I need any help. At the same time, he is the captain of the Indian team, which helps me because this team, what he has achieved under his captaincy, from now onwards, I want to carry forward what he has achieved," Hardik Pandya said.
"It won't be awkward or anything different. It will be a nice experience. I have played all my career under his captaincy. I know he is going to have a hand on my shoulder always, throughout the season," he added.
Hardik confirmed that he will speak to Rohit when he joins MI camp on Monday.
“Yes, and no (Spoken to Rohit Sharma?). He has been travelling. He has been playing. It’s been only a couple of months since we have not seen each other. Whenever the IPL starts, which is from today onwards. Once he comes, we will have a chat,” Hardik Pandya said.
A large section of fans expressed their disappointment at Rohit Sharma losing captaincy and the social media followers of the 5-time champions dipped after the announcement.
"Backlash bit. To be very honest, we respect fans. At the same time, we focus on sport. I control the contralables. I don't focus on what I can't control. At the same time, I am very grateful to fans. They have every right to say what they say. I respect their opinion. At the same time, we will focus on doing well," Hardik Pandya said, playing down the negative reaction from fans.
(PTI inputs)
