By Hardik Pandya is looking forward to reuniting with Rohit Sharma soon. Regarding the captaincy change at Mumbai Indians, a move that stirred up the cricketing world in India, Pandya expressed, “We haven’t seen each other for the last couple of months. We are all professionals, and by the time, the team comes together and once he comes in, we will definitely have a chat.”
Pandya, who captained Gujarat Titans for the past two years, succeeded Rohit as captain at Mumbai Indians. When asked if he had spoken with Rohit, Pandya’s response was somewhat elusive. “Yes and no to that (question),” he said, adding, “because he has been traveling and playing.”
Hardik Pandya has played under Rohit both at the franchise level in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for the national team. He will be Rohit’s vice-captain at the Twenty20 World Cup in June. He also served as vice-captain to Rohit in last year’s ODI World Cup.
“It won’t be any different, because he will be there to help out if I need his help,” Pandya emphasized. “He is the captain of the Indian team, which helps me because what this team has achieved, it has achieved under him. From now onwards, it will be about carrying forward what he has achieved, so there will be nothing awkward. I have played for 10 years under him and I know he is going to have his hand on my shoulders throughout the season.” Mumbai Indians have won five IPL titles under Rohit.
Regarding fan backlash on social media, Pandya stated that he cannot control what is beyond his control. “I don’t focus on things that I can’t control,” he remarked. “At the same point in time, we are grateful to the fans as a lot of fame and love comes from them. I respect their opinion, but at the same time, I am very excited.”
Pandya shared that returning to Mumbai Indians felt like coming home, as it was where he began his IPL journey in 2015. “It’s been amazing coming back, coming back to where it all started, and the journey is going to continue. The welcome was wonderful, very warm, very exciting. It feels wonderful, my journey started from here and I never thought that 10 years down the line, I will be leading this side. It feels very good.”
Pandya also revealed that he is fit to bowl and is eager to finish games for the team. “In this IPL, I will be an all-rounder and I will try to finish and win as many games as possible.” He also emphasized the importance of Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the team. “This year, we are fortunate that Jasprit Bumrah is available and firing on all cylinders. (We’re) very excited to have him back full throttle and guiding the youngsters in the camp.” Bumrah missed last season due to a back injury.
Hardik Pandya’s first match as Mumbai Indians captain will be against his former team, Gujarat Titans, in Ahmedabad on March 24. The IPL begins on March 22 with a match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
