As the IPL fever increases with each day passing, former Indian cricketer and Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra finally broke his silence on Hardik Pandya’s big move to Mumbai Indians. Hardik Pandya was made Mumbai Indians skipper after his move to the 5-time IPL winners. This meant that the franchise’s long time skipper Rohit Sharma was dropped from the role and will play under his Indian teammate this season.
Ashish Nehra said,
“I never tried to convince Hardik to stay back, the way this sport is moving, we will see more such transfers like it happens in football.” [PTI]#IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/Rd4TANBTTT
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) March 16, 2024
This unexpected move raised eyebrows, especially considering Pandya’s leadership role with Gujarat Titans after he joined them before IPL 2022. Hardik Pandya excelled as captain for Gujarat Titans, leading them to victory in the inaugural season. He not only performed exceptionally with the bat, scoring over 400 runs, but also contributed with the ball, showcasing his all-round abilities. His leadership continued to shine in the subsequent season.
Under Pandya’s guidance, Gujarat Titans reached the IPL 2023 final, although they fell short against Chennai Super Kings. Many anticipated Pandya to lead the team in the following season, but his transfer to Mumbai Indians became the most significant trade in IPL history.
Ashish Nehra On Hardik Pandya
In his first public comments regarding Hardik Pandya’s move to Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra highlighted the evolving landscape of sports, suggesting that similar transfers could become more common in the future. In an interview with PTI, Nehra emphasized the likelihood of more such transitions in the sporting world.
“I never tried to convince Hardik to stay back. The way this sport is moving, we will see more such transfers like it happens in soccer’s international club market.” Nehra said.
In a recent statement, Hardik Pandya shared his sentiments about joining the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024. He expressed the significance of donning the blue jersey, stating that it holds a special place in his heart. Pandya assured fans that he is committed to making them proud while representing the franchise, as conveyed in a video shared by the team.
Also Read: IPL 2024: Body Blow For Chennai Super Kings As Star Player Gets Injured
