‘Now we know what Bumrah’s tweets were all about’- Fans react as report suggests that Hardik Pandya dictated terms for Mumbai Indians’ comeback
Hardik Pandya will now try to win silverware for his first franchise.
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Dec 16, 2023 5:42 pm
Pandya’s homecoming to Mumbai hinged on captaincy, with the all-rounder keen on becoming MI’s captain
In a changing phase for the Mumbai Indians team, Hardik Pandya has been named the franchise’s new captain, taking the reins from the legendary Rohit Sharma. Sharma, who has become synonymous with the MI legacy, led the team to five IPL titles and one Champions League T20 title, since taking the captaincy mid-season in 2013, when the team had faced initial struggles.
Pandya, returning to Mumbai after leading the Gujarat Titans to IPL glory in 2022, inherits a team with an illustrious past and a passionate fanbase. His dynamic leadership and all-round skills offer a new chapter for the MI, one filled with both excitement and the challenge of building on Sharma’s monumental achievements. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the Mumbai Indians, as they look to the future with a proven leader in Pandya, while cherishing the immense contributions of Rohit Sharma, who will undoubtedly will continue to be a cornerstone of the franchise.
Hardik Pandya’s homecoming was orchestrated through a landmark trade between Mumbai and Gujarat, a move that sent shockwaves through the IPL and cemented it’s place as the league’s biggest deal yet.
Hardik’s condition
In a report published by The Indian Express, it is written that Pandya had put forth a condition before returning to his old franchise. The trade wasn’t just about nostalgia, it was reportedly orchestrated with Pandya’s bold vision of him being at the helm.
When Hardik Pandya was traded back to Mumbai Indians, former cricketer Aakash Chopra speculated on his YouTube channel that Pandya’s return might be contingent upon him being named the team’s captain. Chopra reasoned that since Pandya already held the captaincy with Gujarat Titans, leaving that role would only be justified by assuming a similar leadership position at Mumbai.
“A rumor is doing the rounds that Hardik is moving towards Mumbai. It has been heard, no confirmation has come. If he is leaving, firstly Gujarat are releasing him. If he is leaving, will he be made Mumbai’s captain? Why would you go if you are not being made the captain?” said Chopra.
Here’s how ‘X-verse’ reacted to the report:
Ofcourse yes The reason was clear. Why would he play as a player after being captain of gt for two seasons pic.twitter.com/bGe71d6r2q
