IPL 2024: Did Hardik Pandya arm-twist Mumbai Indians before making his return?
Hardik Pandya (Source-Twitter)
Nearly 24 hours leading into Mumbai Indians’ decision to name Hardik Pandya as the new skipper, new details are emerging. According to a report carried out by Indian Express, it is learnt that Hardik Pandya had kept a huge condition to the Mumbai Indians management.
According to the news it has come to light that Hardik Pandya had agreed to come back to Mumbai Indians only if he was given the captaincy. This latest news is set to irk the fan base of Mumbai Indians even more.
Interestingly the reason for Hardik Pandya quitting Mumbai Indians in 2021 is also captaincy-related. After an underwhelming season for the then-defending champions, the all-rounder was released from the squad.
‘Succession’ turns real life in Mumbai Indians drama –
Noted newspaper The Indian Express has revealed how Hardik Pandya became the new Mumbai Indians skipper. According to the newspaper Hardik Pandya had a word with Rohit Sharma before the ODI World Cup 2023 could begin.
The two players had a chat where Hardik Pandya told his plans to Rohit Sharma about a return to Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season. The only catch in this entire situation was that he would only return if he was made the captain.
Rohit Sharma who was set to lead the Indian side was told by the Mumbai Indians team of this decision. The player and the franchise management then had a clear discussion about the future as well seemed to settle on a roadmap.
It is also learned that Rohit Sharma has given his assurance to play under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya during IPL 2024. The last part of the statement will worry a lot of Mumbai fans as there is a mega auction scheduled ahead of IPL 2025.
Many fans are wondering if Rohit Sharma will even be retained ahead of the mega auction next year. It is also worth noting that the entire trade process was begun by Mumbai Indians. When they came to know of the condition put forward by Hardik, they were quick to convince Rohit Sharma.
This news is set to upset a lot of Mumbai fans since Rohit Sharma has been the face of the team since 2013. Most of the players who are currently plying their trade in Mumbai have spoken glowingly about the 36-year-old. Meanwhile, there is further tension in the MI camp as Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah have put up cryptic messages on social media.
