IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya Says, Rohit Sharma Playing Under Me for MI Won’t be Awkward

Summary: For the first time, Hardik Pandya opened up about his taking over as the Mumbai Indians captain and his rapport with Rohit Sharma.

In a conference held by the Mumbai Indians recently, Hardik Pandya, who took over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians, addressed the controversy swirling around the captaincy shift within the team. There were many debates and speculations when Rohit Sharma stepped down as the captain of the Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya was appointed as the new captain. 

Rohit and Hardik chose to stay silent on the matter, but the recently held conference provided much-needed clarification to the Mumbai Indian fans. Addressing the controversy, Hardik Pandya said, “First of all, it won't be any different because he will be there to help me if I need any help. He is the captain of the Indian team, which helps me because what he has achieved under his captaincy for this team, from now onwards, I want to carry forward that legacy.” 

He says he is looking forward to working closely with Rohit in the upcoming season of the IPL (Indian Premier League). He also added, “It won't be awkward or anything; it will be a nice experience. I have played all my career under his captaincy. I know he is always going to have a hand on my shoulder throughout the season."

Hardik Pandya and the team of Mumbai Indians faced a lot of backlash after the announcement of captaincy on social media, to which Hardik Pandya said, “Backlash bit. To be very honest, we respect fans. But we focus on sports. I control the controllables. I don't focus on what I can't control. I am very grateful to the fans. They have every right to share their opinion, and I respect that. But we will focus on doing well."

Upon being asked if he has spoken to Rohit Sharma about the change in dynamics, he said he has yet to discuss everything in detail about the upcoming season with Rohit Sharma. He said, “Yes, and no. He has been traveling. He has been playing. It’s been only a couple of months since we have seen each other. Whenever the IPL starts, which is today itself, Once he comes, we will have a chat."