Hardik Panyda hopes to catch up with Rohit Sharma soon. Speaking on the Mumbai Indians’ captaincy change, which had the country’s cricketing ecosystem essentially divided, Pandya stated, “We haven’t seen each other in a few of months. We are all pros, and when the squad comes together and he arrives, we will absolutely have a conversation.”
Pandya, who led the Gujarat Titans for the past two years, took over as captain of the Mumbai Indians from Rohit. When asked precisely if he had spoken with Rohit, Pandya responded evasively. “Yes and no to that (question),” he replied. He went on to say, “because he has been travelling and playing.”
Pandya worked with Rohit on both the franchise level in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the national team. In reality, he will be Rohit’s vice-captain for the T20 World Cup in June. He also served as Rohit’s vice-captain at 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 asserted. “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 won five IPL titles under Rohit.
Regarding the response from followers on social media, Pandya responded that he cannot control the uncontrollable. “I don’t focus on things that I can’t control,” he told me. “At the same time, we are grateful to the fans for bringing us so much fame and love. I appreciate their views, but I’m also quite excited.
Pandya claimed that returning to the Mumbai Indians felt like a homecoming, and he is thrilled to be back where he began his IPL experience in 2015. “It’s been fantastic to be back where it all began, and the trip will continue. The welcome was fantastic, really kind, and thrilling. It feels amazing; my adventure began here, and I never imagined that ten years later, I would be leading this side. “It feels great.”
Pandya also stated that he is fit to bowl and is looking forward to finishing the games for the side. “In this IPL, I will be an all-rounder and I will try to finish and win as many games as possible.” He also believed that Jasprit Bumrah’s availability would be of great benefit to the team. “This year, we are fortunate to have Jasprit Bumrah available and firing on all cylinders.” (We’re) very happy to having him back at full speed and coaching the kids at camp.” Bumrah missed the past season due to a back issue.
Hardik Pandy’s debut match as Mumbai Indians captain will be against his former team, the Gujarat Titans, at Ahmedabad on March 24. The IPL begins on March 22 with a match between the Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
