Hardik Pandya hugs Rohit Sharma during an IPL 2024 practice session.© Instagram
Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma – the buildup to the IPL 2024 for five-time champions Mumbai Indians has been all about these two players. Following a highly debated captaincy change, the two players came face to face for the first time this season. A video new Mumbai Indians’ (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya hugging former captain Rohit Sharma during the team’s training session has gone viral on social media. In the clip shared by MI on social media, Hardik could be spotted reaching out to Rohit and hugging him. The short clip later shows both the players having some fun moments together.
Watch it here:
When asked about the captaincy change, the all-rounder said that he expects Rohit’s hand on his shoulder whenever he feels the need.
“Rohit Sharma is Captain of Team India which helps me, what this team has achieved, was achieved under his leadership and I just carry forward. I played whole career under him and I know he will always have his hand on my shoulder,” he said.
Pandya was asked about whether he had the chance to discuss the change in leadership with Rohit and the India all-rounder had a clear answer.
“Yes and No. I haven’t got a lot of time to talk with Rohit because he has been touring. I will definitely catch up when he links up with the team,” Hardik said at the event.
Pandya also said that Rohit will continue to be a guiding force for him during the IPL despite the unexpected change of leadership that the franchise announced ahead of the upcoming season.
“It will not be any different, he will always be there to help me. This team, what it has achieved, it has achieved under him and I just have to carry forward that. He is going to have his hand on my shoulders,” said Pandya in a media interaction.
“We respect fans but we focus on the sport and what is required. I focus on the controllables, fans have every right and I respect their opinion,” he replied when asked about the fans’ outrage at Rohit’s removal.
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