Leader Online Desk : Hardik Pandya Press Conference : “I don't think there was any tension in the relationship with Rohit Sharma after becoming the captain. There will be no separation between us. Hitman will assist me whenever I need help. I have said before that he is the Indian captain. I have played almost my entire career under Rohit. I want to carry forward what the MI team has achieved under his captaincy,' expressed MI's new captain Hardik Pandya. He was speaking at a press conference held on Monday. Team coach Mark Boucher was also present on this occasion.
Pandya reacts on his relationship with Rohit after returning to MI and becoming captain. For IPL 2024, MI had paid a huge sum to transfer Pandya from GT. After that incident, Hardik was also given the captaincy of the team in place of Hitman. After that, many critical posts about Pandya were shared on social media.
The first question to Hardik Pandya in the press conference held on Monday was whether he and Rohit Sharma have spoken since he was given the captaincy of MI? It was asked. To this Hardik clearly replied 'No'. He said, 'No. Because Rohit was touring at that time. He is the captain of Team India. After all, we are all professional players, we haven't seen each other for a long time. But when the IPL starts and he joins MI, we will definitely discuss it,” he revealed.
What did Pandya say about Hitman? (Hardik Pandya Press Conference)
Pandya said, 'I don't think there was any discomfort in the relationship with Rohit Sharma after becoming the captain. There will be no separation between us. Hitman will assist me whenever I need help. I have said before that he is the Indian captain. I have played almost my entire career under Rohit. I want to carry forward what the MI team has achieved under his captaincy.'
Pandya-Boucher avoided answering this question
Journalists asked some questions which even Hardik Pandya, Coach Boucher did not have answers. In particular, Boucher was asked a question, what was the strategy or vision under which the management decided to remove Rohit Sharma as the captain of Mumbai Indians and replace him with Hardik Pandya? At this Coach Boucher picked up the mic but then shook his head and refused to answer. At the same time, a question was asked to Pandya that was there a captaincy condition in the contract with you? At this, Pandya only dodged the question with a weak smile.
Hardik's reply on trolling, said…
Hardik was questioned about trolling. On this he said, 'I had an idea that this would happen. Rohit has built an empire. I respect the sentiments of the fans, because of them we got fame and everything. But I can control what I have in my hands. Right now I will focus on my work. Rohit Sharma and I haven't had much communication since the captain's case fell on his neck. Rohit was traveling a lot because of cricket. I will definitely discuss with him when he joins the team.' (Hardik Pandya Press Conference)
In 2013, Rohit Sharma became the captain of Mumbai Indians. After half of that season, Mumbai Indians was handed over to Rohit. In the same year, MI won their first IPL title. Since then till 2023 the team has won the trophy 5 times and Rohit Sharma has been the captain every time in this title journey. Only two captains in IPL have managed to win the IPL title 5 times. It includes Rohit and MS Dhoni. But surprisingly before the 2024 season, Rohit Sharma was dropped as captain and replaced by Hardik Pandya.
Only a few days are left for the start of IPL. The first match will be played on Friday i.e. March 22. RCB and CSK teams will face each other on the first day in Chennai. Meanwhile, the preparation of the Mumbai Indians team, which has won the IPL trophy five times, is also going on in full swing. All the players are doing their practice.