There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians skipper ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Pandya, who completed a sensational trade move from Gujarat Titans, ended Rohit's ten-year tenure as captain and the decision has split both experts and fans. In an event organised by the franchise on Monday, Hardik and head coach Mark Boucher answered questions from the media but both of them avoided answering questions pertaining to the captaincy situation. In multiple videos posted on social media, reporters were heard asking questions regarding Rohit and the situation but they were discouraged from continuing with their queries.
In one video, a reporter asked Hardik if he had a 'captaincy clause' in his contract during the trade to MI but the all-rounder did not answer the question. On another occasion, Boucher was asked about what made the side replace Rohit as the captain but the former South Africa cricketer avoided answering.
Hardik believes that there won't be any awkwardness between him and Rohit. As MI continue to gear up for the upcoming season, Hardik opened up about his relationship with Rohit and he believes that the Indian skipper will bring in his experience and back him throughout the season.
"First of all, it won't be different he is going to be there to help me out if I need his help. At the same time, you have also mentioned he is the captain of the Indian cricket team which helps me because this team has achieved under his belt and from now onwards it is going to be what he has achieved I will just carry forward that. So I don't think it will be awkward or anything different. It will be a nice feeling because we have been playing for 10 years, I have played whole my career under him and yeah I know he is going to have a hand on my shoulder always throughout the season," Hardik said.
Hardik also opened up dealing with the backlash from fans regarding the change in captaincy. He emphasised on his mindset of focusing on things that are under his control rather than pivoting on factors that remain out of his control.
"Yes I will be bowling, to be honest, we respect fans but at the same time we focus on the sport I focus on what is required I control the controllable I don't focus on what I can't control and at the same point in time we are grateful to fans. A lot of fame name comes from them. I respect their opinion," Pandya said.
(With PTI inputs)