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In the whirlwind of the cricketing world, where every decision is scrutinized under the magnifying glass of public opinion, the announcement of Hardik Pandya taking over the captaincy reins at Mumbai Indians for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 also didn’t go unnoticed as it stirred a pot of controversy.
The anticipation for Hardik’s response to this uproar has now finally come to an end during a recent press conference where he tackled the questions head-on, shedding light on his thoughts and intentions regarding the transition and the dynamics with his predecessor, Rohit Sharma.
Hardik Pandya’s trade to Mumbai Indians and captaincy appointment
Having been traded to Mumbai Indians in a high-profile all-cash deal from Gujarat Titans, where he left an indelible mark leading the franchise to glory, Hardik found himself at the centre of attention once again. But this time, the spotlight wasn’t solely on his on-field prowess as it was also on the implications of his captaincy.
Rohit Sharma relieved from captaincy duties after Hardik’s trade
Rohit’s abrupt shift from captain to player within the Mumbai Indians setup raised eyebrows and elicited mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing dissatisfaction on various social media platforms. The perceived snub to Rohit, who led the team to a record five IPL titles, fueled speculation and debate, further intensifying the spotlight on Hardik’s elevation to the captaincy role.
Also READ: From oldest to youngest – Age-wise captains of each team in IPL 2024
Hardik addresses captaincy shift in MI camp
Addressing the elephant in the room, Hardik Pandya tackled the question of whether it would be awkward for Rohit to play under his leadership. With characteristic candour, Hardik dismissed any notion of discomfort, emphasizing Rohit’s invaluable experience both as a captain and as the leader of the Indian cricket team.
“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,” said Pandya.
“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’s shares his take on whether it will be awkward for Rohit to play under him
Furthermore, Hardik acknowledged the backlash from certain sections of the fanbase following his appointment as MI skipper. He revealed how he remained unfazed and focused on the task at hand and maintained a level-headed perspective.
“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,” revealed the all-rounder.
