Former Indian National Cricket Team opening batsman Aakash Chopra has issued a massive warning to newly appointed Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya, saying he needs to earn the respect of his teammates while leading the team. in the Indian Premier League (IPL). ) 2024.
Hardik Pandya had a homecoming moment when he rejoined Mumbai Indians (MI) after being away from the franchise for two years. He was released by the Mumbai-based franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League 2022 mega auction and was picked up by Gujarat Titans (GT).
GT handed him the leadership responsibility and he did a fantastic job, guiding the team to the IPL championship in his first season as captain. Hardik Pandya continued his brilliance and led his team to the finals the following season too.
Considering his success as a leader in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the BCCI also named him part of the leadership group of the Indian National Cricket Team.
Despite enjoying great success at Gujarat Titans (GT) along with head coach Ashish Nehra, Hardik Pandya demanded the franchise to shift him back to MI. Furthermore, Gujarat Titans accepted his proposal without much convincing him to stay, according to Ashish Nehra.
When Hardik Pandya joined Mumbai Indians (MI), expectations among fans were that he would play under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. However, the 5-time champions surprised everyone by naming Hardik Pandya as the new captain of the franchise. Ever since Pandya took over leadership at MI, there have been rumors of unrest within the team and fans have also criticized the franchise for removing Rohit Sharma from the captaincy.
The new captain should command respect and not demand respect – Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that all-rounder Hardik Pandya needs to command respect as the leader of the star-studded Mumbai Indians (MI) lineup. The former Indian cricketer also had doubts whether the Mumbai Indians players would respect Hardik after his appointment as captain. He said:
“I understand the thought process behind choosing a new captain and you have a big advantage in quality, versatile bowling. But he will have to earn that respect from his teammates.
“Will they play with the same intensity for Hardik Pandya as for Rohit? “They will play for MI, but the new captain will have to inspire respect and not demand respect.”
Aakash Chopra further said that Mumbai Indians (MI) have struggled in the last few seasons but they know how to win critical situations. He said:
“The last two seasons have not been very good for them. However, if you put them in a situation where they have to close out games, they certainly can do that.
“Winning is in his DNA. You corner them with a decisive situation, this team achieves it while many fail.”
Mumbai Indians (MI) will open their IPL 2024 campaign against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday, March 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmadabad.