(Image Source: ICC / BCCI)
[Saba Sports News] Ahead of IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians made a surprising move by acquiring Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans. Hardik, an all-rounder from Baroda, was appointed as the team’s captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma who had led Mumbai to five IPL victories. This sparked significant backlash among Rohit’s fans, who felt his contributions were overlooked.
Hardik had previously left Mumbai Indians in 2022 to join Gujarat Titans in their first IPL season, leading them to victory that year and a runner-up finish the next, losing to Chennai Super Kings in the final. Mohammed Shami, a key player for the Titans and recent Arjuna Award recipient, commented on Hardik’s switch, noting that player transfers are common and not a lifelong commitment.
Shami stated, “No one is impacted by anyone’s departure. Hardik chose to leave, and he did. He was a successful captain, taking Gujarat to the finals twice and winning once. He wasn’t bound to Gujarat forever.”
Discussing the nature of IPL, Shami mentioned that changes like these are integral to the game. He pointed out that Shubman Gill, the new captain of Gujarat Titans, might also play for other teams in the future. Shami emphasized that such movements are normal in cricket.
Currently, Shami is recovering from an ankle injury, which caused him to miss the Test series against South Africa and the initial matches against England. He hopes to return for the last three Tests of the five-match series against England.