Pandya said it wouldn’t be awkward for Rohit to play under him at MI: After taking over the role as captain of Mumbai Indians for, the first time speaking to the media, Pandya said it wouldn’t be awkward for Rohit to play under him at MI in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The Mumbai Indians will kick off their campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 24 in Ahmedabad.
Hardik took over from Rohit as the captain of the 5-time champions in a move that left quite a few surprised. 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. The skipper confirmed that Mumbai Indians were set to play their first practice match ahead of the IPL 2024 season on Monday, March 18.
Pandya said it wouldn’t be awkward for Rohit to play under him at MI
Hardik said, ‘’Leading Rohit for the first time in his career wouldn’t be uncomfortable for him.’’
“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 you have also mentioned, he is the captain of the Indian cricket 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.”
“So I don’t think, It won’t be awkward or anything different. It will be a nice experience because we have been playing for 10 years. 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.”
![Hardik Pandya said it wouldn't be awkward for Rohit to play under him at MI](https://sportsinfo.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/WPL-22-1-1.png)
On December 15, 2023, Mumbai Indians announced Hardik Pandya as their new captain. Hardik Pandya took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma for Mumbai Indians franchise ahead of IPL 2024. Mumbai Indians have officially named all-rounder Hardik Pandya as their new captain for the upcoming 2024 IPL season. Pandya left Gujarat Titans in the IPL League 2024 and returned to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 auction with an all-cash trade.
But fans raised their voices at Rohit Sharma’s removal from the captaincy, and the social media followers of Mumbai Indians decreased after the announcement.
Hardik in his replay said, “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.”
“Yes, and no. Because he has been travelling. He has been playing. We’re all professionals and by the time the team comes together, we will be 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.”
MI started their first practice match before the IPL 2024 season on Monday, March 18.
Hardik said about his fitness, “I have no issues with my body, I plan to play all the games. I was out for three months. It was a freak injury. I tried to stop the ball and ended up getting injured.”
Mumbai Indians Squad
Hardik Pandya (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Surya Kumar Yadav, Tim David, Jason Behrendroff, Akash Madhwal, Nehal Wadhera, Arjun Tendulkar, Dewald Brevis, Jasprit Bumrah, Piyush Chawla, Kumar Kartikeya, Romario Shepherd, Vishnu Vinod, Shams Mulani.
Mumbai Indians Retained Players List: Akash Madhwal (20L), Arjun Tendulkar (30L), Dewald Brevis (3cr), Ishan Kishan (15.25cr), Jason Behrendorff (75L), Jasprit Bumrah (12cr), Kumar Kartikeya (20L), Tilak Varma (1.7cr), Nehal Wadhera (20L), Piyush Chawla (50L), Rohit Sharma (16cr), Romario Shepherd (T) (50L), Shams Mulani (20L), Surya Kumar Yadav (8cr), Tim David (8.25cr), Vishnu Vinod (20L), Hardik Pandya (T) (15cr)
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