The Mumbai Indians shockingly selected Hardik Pandya from the Gujarat Titans in the draft, just before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction. The all-rounder from Baroda was then chosen the team’s captain, taking over for the late Rohit Sharma, who guided Mumbai to five IPL championships. Supporters of Rohit felt that the franchise stalwart’s contributions were undervalued, hence they strongly criticized this choice.
Prior to the 2022 Indian Premier League season, Hardik Pandya departed from the Mumbai Indians and made his debut with the Titans in the lucrative league. After losing to Chennai Super Kings in the championship game last year, he guided them to the title in 2022.
Mohammed Shami established himself as Hardik Pandya’s go-to bowler during both seasons, playing a pivotal role for the Titans.
Recently bestowed with the esteemed Arjuna Award, Shami was questioned concerning the potential magnitude of Hardik’s departure from the Titans. The 33-year-old stated that since no player is signed for life, it makes no difference if players move teams.
“Koi fark nahi padta koi kisi ke kahin jane se.” Nobody seems to be concerned about Hardik Pandya quitting the team. Hardik walked out because he wanted to. As Gujarat advanced to the final twice and once again won the trophy, he did well as captain. In an interview with Sports24, Shami stated, “He wasn’t bound to Gujarat for eternity.
Nobody can be stopped because it’s a fundamental aspect of the game: Mohammed Shami
Shubman Gill, who has been named as Gujarat’s new captain for the IPL 2024, is expected to gather experience and may move elsewhere, according to the greatest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami reaffirmed that it’s common in sports for players to leave one team and join another.
“Shubman Gill will get experience as well, and he can end up playing for a different team in the future. Since that is a fundamental aspect of the game, you cannot stop anyone,” he continued.
Shami is currently healing from an injury to her ankle. He was not included in the squad for the first two home Test matches against England and missed the Test series against South Africa. In order to play the final three Tests of the five-match series, the veteran would be hoping to recover in time.
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