IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya yet to talk with Rohit Sharma after being appointed as MI captain

Hardik Pandya was appointed as Mumbai Indians captain following his switch from GT.

Two months have passed since Hardik Pandya was named captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), taking the place of the team’s most successful captain to date, Rohit Sharma.

It was a huge shock to the MI fanbase that Rohit Sharma, who won five IPL titles for the franchise, including their maiden win in 2013, was replaced by someone who was bought back into the fold in an all-cash trade deal from Gujarat Titans (GT).

The new skipper, who made his MI debut under Rohit Sharma, hasn’t spoken to his predecessor in 63 days. When Rohit arrives at the MI camp on Monday, Hardik has confirmed that he would speak with him.

“He has been travelling. So, we haven’t seen each other yet or have had a chance to speak. I will speak to Rohit when he joins the camp,” Hardik Pandya said at the MI Press Conference on Monday.

I respect the fans’ emotions: Hardik Pandya on backlash from MI fans

Although Hardik’s return from the GT was welcomed by the MI supporters, they did not share their happiness when MI named him captain.

After Rohit Sharma was relieved of MI captaincy after winning five IPL championships, the fans reacted negatively. On social media, supporters criticized both MI and Hardik Pandya and called for a boycott of MI games. Hardik, though, is unharmed.

“About the backlash after the captaincy change, I respect the fans’ emotions. But I can only control the controllable. I can only focus on my sport, that is what I am going to do,” Hardik Pandya said.

Hardik Pandya’s first assignment as MI captain will be facing off against his former franchise, Gujarat Titans in MI’s first match of the IPL 2024 on Sunday, March 24.

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