Mumbai Indians’ newly-appointed skipper Hardik Pandya said that he is looking forward to working closely with former captain Rohit Sharma in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. He also believed that leading Rohit for the first time in his career wouldn’t feel awkward. However, Hardik took over the reins from Rohit as the captain of the MI in a move that left everyone surprised.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya said that he hasn’t yet spoken in detail about IPL 2024 to Rohit Sharma, adding that he would do so in their training session as well. He also confirmed that Mumbai Indians were set to play their first practice match ahead of the IPL 2024 season on Monday, March 18 as well.

“It won’t be any different” – Hardik Pandya on captaining Rohit Sharma

“First of all, it won’t be any different because he is going to be there to help me out, if I need any help. At the same time, he is the captain of the Indian team, which helps me because this team, what he has achieved under his captaincy, from now onwards, I want to carry forward what he has achieved,” Hardik Pandya said.

“It won’t be awkward or anything different. It will be a nice experience. I have played all my career under his captaincy. I know he is going to have a hand on my shoulder always, throughout the season,” he further added.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

However, Mumbai Indians announced Hardik Pandya as their new captain for IPL 2024 after he was traded in from Gujarat Titans. While the massive trade deal was nothing but a surprise, Hardik taking over from Rohit left Mumbai Indians fans divided as well.

“Backlash bit. To be very honest, we respect fans. At the same time, we focus on sport. I control the contralables. I don’t focus on what I can’t control. At the same time, I am very grateful to fans. They have every right to say what they say. I respect their opinion. At the same time, we will focus on doing well,” Hardik Pandya said while talking about the negative reaction from fans.

Mumbai Indians will start their campaign against Gujarat Titans

However, Hardik Pandya has not played competitive cricket at the highest level since getting ruled out of the ODI World Cup after sustaining an injury during a league game against Bangladesh as well.

“Yes, and no (Spoken to Rohit Sharma?). He has been travelling. He has been playing. It’s been only a couple of months since we have not seen each other. Whenever the IPL starts, which is from today onwards. Once he comes, we will have a chat,” he added.

Mumbai Indians will start their campaign against Gujarat Titans, at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, March 24 as well.