The Mumbai Indians’ captaincy transition is poised to unfold in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, as Hardik Pandya assumes leadership from Rohit Sharma. With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiling the schedule for the T20 league’s initial phase, fans are eager to witness Hardik’s debut as captain for Mumbai Indians, following his high-profile transfer from Gujarat Titans to the franchise.
Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, injected a humorous remark into the conversation, expressing a desire for the Ahmedabad crowd to playfully taunt Hardik during his captaincy stint.
Aakash Chopra said: “I want Hardik Pandya to get booed in Ahmedabad. I’ll tell you why. First IPL season, Mumbai vs Kolkata. We were playing at the Wankhede Stadium. Ajit Agarkar was in our team and we had to take him off the boundary because he was Mumbai’s boy, playing against Mumbai, in Mumbai and getting booed by the Wankhede crowd. So we put him back inside the circle because it was not nice.”
The captaincy shuffle at Mumbai Indians has sparked widespread discussion and speculation, with even Rohit Sharma’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, offering a strong reaction to coach Mark Boucher’s explanation of the situation. Despite the buzz surrounding his new role, Hardik has remained silent on the matter of replacing Rohit Sharma as captain. There are murmurs suggesting that some fans in Ahmedabad may be disappointed to see their beloved skipper depart the franchise, adding an emotional layer to Hardik’s captaincy debut.
Aakash Chopra anticipates a lively atmosphere if Ahmedabad supporters choose to voice their discontent by booing Hardik on the field. Chopra finds amusement in the prospect of fans expressing their frustrations audibly during matches, adding an element of excitement to the upcoming IPL season.
Chopra concluded: “Now Hardik Pandya goes to Mumbai after winning the championship once, leading the team to the final the next time. And not just that but choosing to leave the franchise. If there isn’t any heartburn in the public of Ahmedabad, if they don’t feel hurt, where is the fun? I am expecting. No, I am hoping – don’t tell anyone – that Hardik goes for the toss and people go ‘Boo’. That’s where the league matures.”
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