Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya after MI’s 6-run defeat to GT© BCCI/Sportzpics
Another season, another defeat for Mumbai Indians in the opening match as the Hardik Pandya-led franchise lost to Gujarat Titans by six runs on Sunday. The match marked the beginning of a new era for Mumbai, with Hardik Pandya leading the charge, taking over the reins from Rohit Sharma. As the match culminated in a defeat for MI, Rohit was seen having an intense conversation with Hardik on the field while the franchise’s owner Akash Ambani was also standing right next to them.
Throughout the match, Rohit remained in the limelight despite no longer being the captain of Mumbai Indians. Even during the course of the match, Rohit could be seen talking to Hardik and other players, probably as part of some strategic decisions.
In a video that has surfaced on social media, Hardik can be seen coming from behind to hug Rohit. But the former MI captain turned around and looked frustrated as he had an intense conversation with the successor. Here’s the video:
#HardikPandya #MIvsGT
Mumbai Indians are now a broken side
Good captain Ashish Nehra
Well bowled by Umesh Yadav pic.twitter.com/Pksxy85HOI— DINU March 25, 2024
Despite the defeat in the opening match, Hardik remained unfazed as he stressed that the franchise still has 13 games left to put things right.
“Obviously we are backing ourselves to chase those 42 runs (in the last five overs), but it was one of those days where we see the score coming down quite a bit in those last five overs. We lost some momentum there,” said Pandya during the match. presentation after the match.
“It feels good to be back because this is a stadium where you can enjoy yourself and feel the atmosphere very lively. The crowd was clearly full and they also played a good match.” When asked about Varma’s refusal to turn a single, the skipper said: “I think Tilak felt that was a better idea at that time. I fully support him. No problem, (we have) thirteen more matches to go.”
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