The Mumbai Indians’ new captain, Hardik Pandya, seems undeterred by the criticism from fans.
He talked about legacy, preparations for the IPL-2024, and Rohit Sharma’s backing, as he was prepared to take charge of the squad and eagerly assume his new position. In IPL-2024, Pandya confidently spoke of continuing his predecessor’s illustrious heritage, which saw MI win five titles. He also added, “I know he will have his hand on my shoulder all through the season.”
After being acquired by the MI from the Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya took over as captain of the Mumbai Indians on that day. The team has also been the focus of numerous memes and extensive fan trolling since then.
But at MI’s preseason news conference on Monday, head coach Mark Boucher sat next to Hardik Pandya, who appeared at ease despite having missed five months of action due to an ankle injury.
While affirming that he will bowl during the season, Pandya was asked if the negative comments he received on social media after being named the new MI captain had an impact on him. He responded, “I don’t focus on things that I can’t control. At the same 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.”
In IPL-2024, Pandya confidently spoke of continuing his predecessor’s illustrious heritage, which saw MI win five titles. He also added, “I know he will have his hand on my shoulder all through the season.”
“It won’t be any different (captaining Rohit), as he will always be there to support me when I need it…He is the Indian team’s captain, which is advantageous to me because it was under his leadership that this squad accomplished its goals. There won’t be any awkward moments going forward because everything will revolve around building on what he has accomplished. I know he will be watching over me during the season because I played for ten years under him,” he declared.
Pandya and Rohit haven’t had a chance to talk about their season plans thus far because Rohit has been preoccupied with playing cricket for his country. “Yes and no, considering that he has been touring and performing. It has been a few months since we last saw one another. We’re all pros, so when the group gets together and he arrives, we’ll undoubtedly talk,” the 30-year-old stated.
When asked if Rohit, who has been playing well lately, would perform at his best now that he is freed from the demands of captaincy, “Rohit has been in fantastic form,” stated Boucher. Looking forward to ‘Ro’ expressing himself publicly. He batted against England while we watched. He has been hitting incredibly well.”
After undergoing an extensive recuperation for the ankle injury he sustained during the domestic ODI World Cup in October, Pandya felt optimistic about his body’s capacity to endure the intense demands of the Indian Premier League.
“My body is fine, and I intend to play every game. I haven’t missed many games in the IPL, though. I was absent for three months, technically. It was an unusual injury unrelated to my previous injuries. I wound up getting hurt trying to stop the ball,” Pandya added.
He is ready to deal with the pressures that come with leading a franchise which is always in the spotlight. On Sunday, March 24, MI will begin play against GT, Pandya’s former squad, who finished as runners-up the previous year!
Pandya won four championships with the team prior to becoming the captain of GT in 2022.
In their inaugural season, the all-round player helped Gujarat Titans win the championship.
Pandya spoke of the “wonderful, warm, exciting welcome” he had at MI upon rejoining the team that had initially given him his IPL journey. “Returning to the beginning of it all has been incredible, and the trip will go on. Pandya remarked, “The welcome was amazing, really kind, and so exciting.
The big-hitter expressed his perception of his position on the squad as a finisher. “In this IPL, I will be an all-rounder and I will try to finish and win as many games as possible,” Pandya stated.
