Rohit Sharma will put his hand on my shoulder, says Hardik Pandya in this IPL:
Mumbai: Ever since he replaced India captain Rohit Sharma as the captain of Mumbai Indians after he was traded by MI from Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya has been widely trolled by fans, the franchise has also become the subject of several memes.
Rohit Sharma will put his hand on my shoulder, says Hardik Pandya
However, at MI’s pre-season presser on Monday, Hardik Pandya, looking fit and fresh after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him for five months, sat alongside head coach Mark Boucher.
Asked if the social media backlash after his appointment as the new MI captain affected him, Pandya confirmed that he would bowl during the season, saying, “I don’t focus on things that I can’t control. At the same time, we are grateful to the fans because of them. A lot of fame and love comes. I respect their opinion, but at the same time, I’m very excited.” Rohit Sharma will put his hand on my shoulder, says Hardik Pandya
Pandya spoke passionately about carrying forward the big legacy of his predecessor, which saw MI win 5 titles in IPL-2024, while saying that “I know he will be on my shoulders throughout that season.”
“It will not be different with (captain Rohit), because if I need help, he will continue to help…He is the captain of the Indian team, who helps me because what this team has achieved, it has achieved. Now, what he It will be about carrying forward what has been achieved, so there will be no discomfort. I have played under him for 10 years and I know he will be on my shoulders throughout the season.” he said emphatically.
Rohit Sharma will put his hand on my shoulder, says Hardik Pandya
With Rohit busy with international cricket, Pandya hasn’t had a chance to discuss their plans for the season so far. “Yes and no, because he’s traveling and playing. We’re all professionals, and we will when the team gets together and once he’s in. There’s definitely a chat,” the 30-year-old said. Aged said.
Rohit Sharma will put his hand on my shoulder, says Hardik Pandya.”Rohit is in great form. Finding forward to ‘Ro’ going out and expressing himself. We saw him batting against England.
Having undergone a lengthy rehabilitation for an ankle injury suffered in the ODI World Cup at home in October, Pandya was confident that his body would be able to withstand the rigors of the IPL.
“There is no problem with my body, I am planning to play all the matches. Although I have not missed many matches in the IPL. Technically, I was out for three months. It was a freak injury . My previous injury. I ball Tried to stop and ended up getting injured,” said Pandya.
He is ready to handle the pressure that comes with leading a franchise that is always in the spotlight. Ironically, MI will begin their campaign on Sunday, March 24, against GT, Pandya’s previous team, who were runners-up last year!
The Baroda man says he never thought of leading the franchise he started with MI in 2015. “It feels great, my journey started here and I never thought I would lead for 10 years. It feels great.” Asked about his new role, Pandya said.
Pandya won four titles with the team before his last win as their captain in T20Is. All-rounder Lady Gujarat Titans won a title in their first season.
Pandya spoke of the “wonderful, warm, exciting welcome” he received after returning to the franchise that started his IPL journey in MI. “It was amazing to be back where it all started and the journey continues. The welcome was wonderful, very warm, very exciting,” said Pandya.
The big-hitter said he views his role on the team as a finisher. “In IPL, I will be an all-rounder and will try to complete and win as few games as probable ,” Pandya said.