Hardik Pandya, the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI), recognizes the high expectations placed on the five-time IPL champions each season. Despite his recent appointment as skipper, he understands the urgency to deliver immediate results. Hardik Pandya emphasizes the significance of focusing on the process and aligning players’ objectives. He aims to foster a tightly-knit team environment where players unite and play for each other’s success.
I feel we can crack it and try to achieve something that you all want– Hardik Pandya
In his pre-season press conference, Hardik Pandya drew an analogy from a fictional show to explain his approach to handling expectations.
“It takes time. It takes process. It’s not a magic wand that Shakalaka Boomboom and we won the trophy. It takes time, and caring for each other. If we can get all of this together, I feel we can crack it and try to achieve something that you all want,”
Hardik expressed excitement about collaborating with batting coach Kieron Pollard and fast bowling coach Lasith Malinga, whom he had previously played alongside during his tenure with MI. He values their experience and insights, believing that their shared history as teammates will enhance their coaching dynamic and ultimately benefit the team.
“When I played with both of them, I shared a great bond and now one being bowling coach and one being batting coach, it is a very happy surprise. People whom I loved playing with are here and Mark’s been fantastic from his standpoint,”
Hardik Pandya has already demonstrated his leadership abilities by winning the IPL with the Gujarat Titans two years ago. Last year, he led the team to another final, where they narrowly missed out on the title in a last-ball thriller against Chennai Super Kings.
I am back to what I have done throughout my career – Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya has hinted at the possibility of returning to the finisher’s role, which he played during his first stint with MI from 2015 to 2021. Despite batting in the top four for the Gujarat Titans, he feels that the finishing role comes more naturally to him. Speaking on this Hardik Pandya said,
“I am back to what I have done throughout my career (on his role) I am looking forward to doing that and I hope I do justice to all expectations that people have. I will try to finish as many games as possible and I ll down there and enjoy the position which I have always loved,”
Hardik Pandya has the potential to form a formidable middle-order combination with players like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Tim David. Together, they could become the engine room for Mumbai Indians’ success with the bat, providing power and stability in the crucial middle overs.