Rohit Sharma (L) and Hardik Pandya© AFP
There has been a lot of speculation about the relationship between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya following the change in captaincy at Mumbai Indians ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Hardik ended Rohit’s ten-year tenure as MI captain after completing a sensational trade move. of Gujarat Titans. Hardik could not win his first match as MI skipper and that added to the discussion about a possible rift in the squad. However, former India batsman Robin Uthappa pointed out an incident after the match against Gujarat Titans that could prove to be good news for all Mumbai Indians fans. Rohit and Hardik had a long chat after the match and Uthappa said the two cricketers are clearly exchanging ideas.
“I actually really like this. It’s quite encouraging to see these two guys having this conversation. I’m sure the Mumbai Indians fans who want them to succeed will enjoy this conversation. I’m sure from that Rohit here, from what we see, is passing information with Hardik and Hardik listens like someone who wants to understand things. This is good news, this seems good to me. This will stand Mumbai Indians in good stead as the team moves forward Robin Uthappa told Jio Cinema.
Uthappa also praised Rohit for passing on his experience to Hardik and even pointed out that despite all the talk surrounding the two cricketers, Rohit didn’t have to do it.
“It goes on to show what an incredible person Rohit Sharma is. He doesn’t have to do this with everything we’ve heard about how things happened. It’s very kind of him, great to see him do this.”
An inexplicable batting strategy by Mumbai Indians at the death saw Shubman Gill make a promising debut as captain of the Gujarat Titans with a thrilling six-run win in their opening match of the IPL on Sunday.
Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) was at his best in his first IPL match in two years, using his express yorkers at will to help Mumbai Indians restrict Gujarat Titans to 168/6.
But Bumrah’s effort was not enough as batters like Tilak Varma and skipper Hardik Pandya failed to complement his brilliance.
MI finished on 162/9 as things went downhill, needing only 43 runs from the last five overs with seven wickets in hand.
So MI failed to break the jinx of the opening match. The last time they won their IPL opener was against Chennai Super Kings, way back in 2012.
(With PTI inputs)
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