Aakash Chopra has questioned if Hardik Pandya will go from the Gujarat Titans (GT) to the Mumbai Indians (MI) if he is not granted the captaincy.
Pandya began his IPL career with MI, where he enjoyed a good tenure before switching to GT before the IPL 2022 auction. According to reports, the all-rounder will return to his former side ahead of the IPL 2024 auction.
Contemplating the shared update in a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra questioned the likelihood of the Titans opting to let go of Pandya. Additionally, he doubted if Pandya would prefer to join the Mumbai Indians, failing to secure a leadership position. He further explained:
“A rumor is doing the rounds that Hardik is moving towards Mumbai. It has been heard, no confirmation has come. If he is leaving, firstly Gujarat are releasing him – won once and reached the final once. If he is leaving, will he be made Mumbai’s captain? Why would you go if you are not being made the captain?”
Aakash Chopra
While he believes the allegations are accurate, the former India opener is unsure whether Rohit Sharma will join the Titans in such a circumstance. He stated:
“I have not heard the end or the start of this story properly. So I am waiting and watching that what happens there because it seems like something will happen. There is no smoke without fire and there is smoke for sure that Hardik is going. However, will Rohit Sharma go to GT? Is that a possibility – I don’t know.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra does not believe the Titans would appoint an overseas captain in the style of Rashid Khan or Kane Williamson if Pandya comes to MI. In such a situation, he argued, the franchise would only have Shubman Gill as an Indian leadership option.
Jofra Archer’s future in Mumbai Indians: Aakash Chopra thinks they might let him go
According to Aakash Chopra, the Mumbai Indians may consider releasing Jofra Archer. He noticed:
“I feel there will be a debate about Jofra Archer. Mumbai will think about what they should do. Do they stay with him because (Jasprit) Bumrah will become available this time?”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that the England seamer cost a lot of money. He stated:
“Eight crores are stuck there, so whether they should keep him or not, what is the point? You can loosen your purse by probably releasing Jofra. You get some money.”
Aakash Chopra
MI paid 8 crore for Archer during the IPL 2022 auction, despite the fact that he was unavailable for that season of the competition. The right-arm seamer took just two wickets in five IPL 2023 games and is currently dealing with elbow concerns.