Mumbai Indians (MI) is considered to be the most successful franchise with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as these two franchises have won 5 trophies each. MI’s management took a bold step and removed Rohit Sharma from the captaincy post and named Hardik Pandya as the next leader for IPL 2024 edition. Hardik Pandya would be tested as MI fans are quite fumed up and Hardik will have to win the trust of fans.
Rohit Sharma would be crestfallen with MI’s decision but he has to respect that and who knows we may see Rohit Sharma 2.0 version. In the recently concluded ODI WC 2023, we saw how ruthless Rohit Sharma was with the bat as there was a fear amongst the opposition team’s fast bowlers especially during the powerplay overs phase.
I am grateful for fans- Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya was seen in the press conference along with head coach Mark Boucher and was interacting with the reporters. Hardik Pandya stated that he understands the backlash from the fans and said that he focuses on the sport. Hardik Pandya also pointed out that there are no hard feelings between him & Rohit Sharma.
“I understand the backlash from fans. But I focus on the sport. I control the controllable. I don’t focus on things I can’t control. I am grateful for fans. A lot of fame, name and love comes from them. They have every right and I respect their opinion,” said Hardik Pandya.
“It won’t be any different because he (Rohit) will help me out if I need his help. He is the captain of the Indian team which helps me as well. What he has achieved with this team, I will just carry forward that. So I don’t think it will be anything different or awkward. It will be nice feeling because we have played together for 10 years. I have played under him and I know he is going to have a hand on my shoulder always,” he added.
Steep road ahead for Hardik Pandya
According to sources with knowledge, it is believed that the environment inside MI’s dressing room is not that good as many players aren’t happy with the appointment of Hardik Pandya as the leader. In all these chaos, will MI be able to find the right combination as we all know that MI are slow-starters.
It won’t be wrong to say that Hardik Pandya is a leader as winning IPL 2022 for Gujarat Titans (GT) wasn’t a fluke by any means and also he led GT to the finals of 2023 edition. The main concern for Hardik is that MI’s coaching style and decision making is completely different as compared to Gujarat Titans (GT).