IPL 2024

‘CSK’s setup inspires me more than MI’- Mumbai Indians’ new captain’s old interview goes viral

The Hardik Pandya trading saga has created shockwaves among fans and stakeholders of Indian cricket and has brought to the surface the fickle nature of league cricket where loyalty takes a backseat and current form and results come to the forefront.

Hardik Pandya’s trade deal and his homecoming to the Mumbai Indians is a prime example of how the IPL works where more than the name and legacy, the current situation and form matters. Hardik Pandya has not only been traded to Mumbai but also has been made the captain of the franchise replacing Rohit Sharma who has won them 5 IPL titles in the last 10 years.

This decision has created a furore among many Mumbai Indians and Rohit Sharma fans who are dejected by this decision regarding the franchise. Just after this decision was announced, Mumbai Indians lost more than 3 lakh followers on Instagram which showed how much it affected the fans.

The nature of IPL is so dynamic and competitive that emotions and loyalty become secondary when it comes to winning the championship. The whole Hardik Pandya trade exemplifies it perfectly.

Hardik Pandya has been a successful captain for Gujarat Titans

Some months ago when Hardik Pandya was the captain of Gujarat Titans he took a dig at Mumbai Indians when he said that they are a successful side because they pick up or trade the best players by paying them huge sums of money and he as a captain hmodelledled Gujarat on CSK’s playing model where they pick average players and make them perform well and successfully because of their relaxed and comfortable environment.

MI’s former captain Rohit Sharma rebuked by saying that it is not the case with Mumbai and they have an excellent scouting team and they scout players from a young age and then provide them with the guidance and platform to become big stars and reminded Hardik that he was also picked by Mumbai when he was a no one and made him into a star that he is today.

The whole Mumbai Indian and Hardik Pandya fiasco shows that in IPL it’s winning the trophy that matters the most for franchises no matter how your relationship is with other players and franchises.