WATCH: Mohammed Shami plays down Hardik Pandya’s exit ahead of IPL 2024 season

India’s seamer Mohammed Shami has made a huge comment on Hardik Pandya. The 30-year-old is set to captain Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL 2024 season. Hardik Pandya was the captain of Gujarat Titans for two years.

Shami was recently conferred with the Arjuna Awards. India’s Cricket Board had asked the government to consider Shami for the award. The recognition comes after Shami’s amazing run during the ODI World Cup 2023 campaign.

IPL 2024 is likely to begin on 22^nd March 2024 with Chennai Super Kings as the defending title holders. MS Dhoni and his side won their fifth title after beating Gujarat Titans in the final.

Mohammed Shami’s fiery comment on Hardik Pandya –

India’s pace bowling sensation Mohammed Shami has made a huge statement on Hardik Pandya. When asked if Pandya’s move to Mumbai Indians is a huge loss, Shami said “Kisi ko kisi ke jaane se koi farak nahi padta”

Mohammed Shami reacts to Hardik Pandya leaving Gujarat Titans 😂 pic.twitter.com/lBALRQmI3y

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) January 16, 2024

The comments were made while speaking to Sports 24 channel. Shami also said “Hardik wanted to leave and he left. He did well as a captain as Gujarat made it to the finals twice and also won the title once. He wasn’t tied to Gujarat for lifetime”

Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new captain of the side. Speaking on this the Indian seamer opined “Shubman Gill will also become experienced and there is a possibility of him playing for another franchise in the future. You cannot stop anyone as it is part and parcel of the game”

Mohammed Shami is still not fit and has been excluded for the first two Test versus England. Rohit Sharma is the captain of the side with Jasprit Bumrah named the vice-captain.

Team India will play its final T20I against Afghanistan on Wednesday before the Test series against England. The men in blue have already wrapped up the series with a six-wicket win over the visitors on Sunday.

The focus now will move to Hyderabad after the Bengaluru T20I. Mohammed Siraj will play a Test match in his home ground for the first time. It is expected that India will go in with a spin-heavy line-up with the pitch set to favour the slower bowlers.