(Cricket News) Hardik Pandya, traded back to Mumbai from Gujarat, insisted on returning only if given a leadership role. During the World Cup, Rohit Sharma was informed by Mumbai Indians about Pandya’s return to the team for the upcoming season, this time as the captain. Sources indicate that Pandya’s move from Gujarat to Mumbai was contingent on being appointed the franchise captain.
Rohit, as per information received by The Indian Express, was briefed on the franchise’s future roadmap around the start of the World Cup. He was apprised of the immediate need for a change in captaincy through a series of meetings and concurred with the plan to play under Pandya for the forthcoming season.
Mumbai Indians recently acquired Pandya from Gujarat Titans through a trade. It was revealed that Pandya had communicated to the MI owners that his return hinged on leading the team. After consultations, the franchise management agreed to Pandya’s condition and later informed Sharma about it during the World Cup. By that time, Sharma had entrusted the franchise with deciding the team’s future.
In a press release, the franchise’s global head of performance, Mahela Jayawardene, stated, “It is part of legacy building and staying true to the MI philosophy of being future-ready.” The release expressed gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his outstanding leadership, acknowledging his exceptional contributions since 2013. The statement announced Hardik’s captaincy for the IPL 2024 season.
Reflecting on the leadership transition, Jayawardene noted, “Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership,” mentioning past captains like Sachin, Harbhajan, Ricky, and Rohit. The release highlighted Rohit Sharma’s success and leadership legacy, describing him as one of the finest captains in IPL history.
Hardik, who left MI for Gujarat, led the new franchise to an IPL title in their debut season. Returning to Mumbai, he expressed the special significance of rejoining the team where his cricketing journey began in 2015. Pandya’s trade back to Mumbai, a highlight of the player trading window ahead of IPL 2024, involved exchanging Cameron Green for Pandya with Royal Challengers Bangalore to accommodate the Indian all-rounder.
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