Rohit Sharma (L) and Hardik Pandya© AFP
There has been a lot of speculation over the relationship between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya after the change in captaincy in Mumbai Indians ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Hardik ended Rohit’s ten-year tenure as MI captain after completing a sensational trade move from Gujarat Titans. Hardik was not able to win his first match as MI skipper and that added to the chat around a possible rift in the side. However, former India batter Robin Uthappa pointed out an incident after the match against Gujarat Titans that can prove to be good news for all Mumbai Indians fans. Rohit and Hardik had a long conversation after the match and Uthappa said the two cricketers are clearly exchanging ideas.
“I actually quite like this. It’s quite heartening to see the two of these guys having this conversation. I am sure the Mumbai Indians fans who want them to succeed will be enjoying this conversation. I am sure Rohit here, from what we see, is passing on information with Hardik and Hardik is listening like someone who wants to understand things. This is good news, this looks good to me. This will hold Mumbai Indians in good stead as the team moves forward,” Robin Uthappa told Jio Cinema.
Uthappa also praised Rohit for passing on his experience to Hardik and even pointed out that with all the chatter around the two cricketers, Rohit did not have to do it.
“It goes on to show what an incredible person Rohit Sharma is. He doesn’t have to do this with everything we have heard about how things have transpired. It’s very nice of him, wonderful to see him do this.”
An inexplicable batting strategy by Mumbai Indians at the death saw Shubman Gill make an auspicious debut as Gujarat Titans captain with a thrilling six-run victory in their opening IPL game on Sunday.
Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) was at his absolute best in his first IPL game in two years, firing in his express yorkers at will to help Mumbai Indians restrict Gujarat Titans to 168/6.
But Bumrah’s effort was not enough as batters like Tilak Varma and skipper Hardik Pandya failed to complement his brilliance.
MI ended at 162/9 as things went downhill when all they needed was 43 runs off last five overs with seven wickets in hand.
MI thus failed to break their opening game jinx. The last time they won their IPL opener was against Chennai Super Kings way back in 2012.
(With PTI inputs)
Topics mentioned in this article
