Mumbai Indians skipper captain Hardik Pandya broke his silence on the captaincy change controversy that struck the franchise after Rohit Sharma was removed as the leader of the pack, making way for the returning all-rounder from Gujarat Titans. Hardik was signed as a trade from Guajrat, a franchise he decided to join two years ago. In a press conference organised by the Mumbai Indians on Monday, Hardik said that he isn’t expecting anything awkward between him and Rohit.
“It’s a surreal feeling to be back. Everything that I have known since 2015 has been through this journey. I never thought I’d reach here, and looking forward to playing at the Wankhede, my favourite ground,” Hardik said on his comeback.
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.
Hardik Pandya said “Rohit Sharma is captain of Indian team, which helps me, what this team has achieved, was achieved under his belt – I just carry forward, I played whole career under him and I know, he will always have his hand on my shoulder”. pic.twitter.com/DgBJX1EBDs
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 18, 2024
Hardik also confirmed that he will be bowling for MI in this season, having previously resorted to being only a batter because of injury concerns.
While the fans’ emotions on the captaincy change saga have been negative at times, Hardik said that he only likes to think about the things he can control.
“I will be bowling. I respect the fans’ emotions but I can only control the controllable. I respect them but I will focus on what I can be doing (as captain),” he said.
When asked if he has had a chat with Rohit since the captaincy change, Hardik said that no concrete chat has been possible as the Hitman has been travelling.
“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,” he said.
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