Former cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed that Hardik Pandya’s role as Mumbai Indians’ captain in the 2024 IPL season requires further development.
Following the Mumbai Indians’ announcement of Hardik Pandya as their new captain for the upcoming IPL auctions in Dubai on December 19, 2023, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra shared insights into the transition. Pandya assumes the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, who notably led the franchise to five IPL titles.
Chopra, on his show ‘ #AAKASHVANI’ on JioCinema, discussed the move, highlighting the influence of Ashish Nehra in developing Pandya’s leadership skills at Gujarat Titans. Chopra emphasized Mumbai’s responsibility to guide Pandya extensively to elevate his captaincy, acknowledging that Pandya is yet to fully refine his skills in the new role.
“Rohit would have also been briefed about Mumbai Indians’ future plans. I feel Ashish Nehra had a tremendous role in making Hardik the captain he was at Gujarat Titans. So, Mumbai’s job is cut out. They have to provide inputs at a different level for Hardik to replicate them on the field because I don’t think Hardik, as a captain, is a finished product yet,” Chopra said.
READ MORE | Transition in Leadership: Hardik Pandya Named Mumbai Indians’ Skipper for IPL 2024
Pandya completed a remarkable return to the Mumbai Indians through an all-cash deal worth 15 crores with the Gujarat Titans, his former team.
Having joined Gujarat Titans since its inception in 2021, Pandya captained the team, guiding them to consecutive IPL finals and securing the championship in their debut season. Despite leading them again to the final in IPL 2023, the team narrowly missed the title against the Chennai Super Kings.
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Last Updated on December 18, 2023
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