Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya recognizes the high expectations that the five-time IPL champions face each season, and he is aware that, despite being a new leader, he would need to provide results quickly.
The versatile player highlighted the significance of concentrating on the journey and guaranteeing that the squad members shared a unified vision. Moreover, he delved into his aspirations to forge a cohesive group dynamic where players would wholeheartedly support one another.
Hardik Pandya, speaking to media during the pre-season press conference, used an analogy from a fictitious show to explain expectations:
“It takes time. It takes process. It’s not a magic wand that Shakalaka Boomboom and we won the trophy. It takes time, and caring for each other. If we can get all of this together, I feel we can crack it and try to achieve something that you all want.”
Hardik Pandya
Hardik is also looking forward to working with batting coach Kieron Pollard and fast bowling coach Lasith Malinga, with whom he previously worked as colleagues at MI. He added:
“When I played with both of them, I shared a great bond and now one being bowling coach and one being batting coach, it is a very happy surprise. Poeple whom I loved playing with are here and Mark’s been fantastic from his standpoint.”
Hardik Pandya
Hardik already has results to show for his captaincy skills, having won the IPL with the Gujarat Titans two years ago. He took them to another final last year, but they were barely defeated by the Chennai Super Kings in a last-ball thriller.
Hardik Pandya hints at his role with MI
Hardik Pandya hinted at returning to the finisher’s role at MI, where he played from 2015 to 2021. He had been batting in the top four for the Gujarat Titans, but he believed that finishing came easy to him.
On this, Hardik stated:
“I am back to what I have done throughout my career (on his role) I am looking forward to doing that and I hope I do justice to all expectations that people have. I will try to finish as many games as possible and I ll down there and enjoy the position which I have always loved.”
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya, a seasoned cricketer, could join forces with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Tim David. Together, they would forge a formidable middle order for MI, unleashing a barrage of runs. This quartet would serve as the batting powerhouse, propelling the team towards triumph.
