MI’s decision to name Pandya captain sent shockwaves across cricketing circles but Chopra felt all parties, including skipper Rohit Sharma, would’ve been aware of it even before the trade was officially confirmed
Screengrab of video posted by Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) on X in which all-rounder Hardik Pandya talks about his return to the franchise after spending two seasons with the Gujarat Titans
A lot has been said and speculated about star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return to his former Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans. The Mumbai-based franchise even named Pandya captain for the IPL 2024 season. The decision to appoint Pandya Mumbai Indians’ skipper baffled many as the India all-rounder was expected to play under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra recently shared his opinion on this matter. Chopra felt that Pandya assuming captain’s role at Mumbai Indians “may have been a part of” the trade deal.
Explained: Why MI went with Hardik Pandya as captain over Rohit Sharma?
“It’s my understanding and not some inside news. When Hardik (Pandya) decided to move from Gujarat, captaincy may have been a part of the deal. This decision would have been definitely communicated to Rohit Sharma as well,” Chopra said on JioCinema’s daily sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI’.
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“Rohit would have also been briefed about Mumbai Indians’ future plans. I feel Ashish Nehra had a tremendous role in making Hardik the captain he was at Gujarat Titans. So, Mumbai’s job is cut out. They have to provide inputs at a different level for Hardik to replicate them on the field, because I don’t think Hardik, as a captain, is a finished product yet,” the cricketer-turned-pundit added.
Read | Pandya will ‘bring in fresh thinking’ at Mumbai Indians, says Gavaskar
Under Rohit’s captaincy, Mumbai Indians had featured in 163 matches in the IPL and the Champions League T20. Rohit led Mumbai Indians to 91 victories, tying four and losing 68. Rohit even led Mumbai Indians to five IPL finals — in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 — and ended up winning the title on all of those occasions.
Meanwhile, Pandya led Gujarat Titans to IPL 2022 triumph in the franchise’s maiden appearance. Gujarat Titans also reached the IPL 2023 final, under Pandya’s captaincy, but conceded defeat in the summit clash to Chennai Super Kings.