Before the IPL 2024 auction, which took place in Dubai on December 19, a noteworthy transfer took place that attracted the interest of cricket fans all around the world. The unexpected move featured Hardik Pandya, the Gujarat Titans’ captain at the time, returning to his old team, the Mumbai Indians. Before this, the all-around player guided the Titans to an incredible championship victory in their maiden season (2022) and an unforgettable championship match in the IPL 2023. The cricket community was abuzz with conjecture and discussion following the transfer. Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, who also plays for the Titans in the cricket carnival, offered his thoughts on the situation in the middle of these happenings. Furthermore, he shared his opinions on Shubman Gill, the recently chosen captain who took over the Titans’ leadership duties following Hardik’s departure. Scroll down to read IPL 2024: Mohammed Shami’s Verdict on Hardik Pandya.
IPL 2024: Mohammed Shami’s Verdict On Hardik Pandya
The news that Hardik Pandya will be moving from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season stunned the cricket community. Hardik Pandya captained GT for the last two seasons, leading them to the title game each time.
The club finished second the next year after losing to Chennai Super Kings in the final game, having won its maiden championship in 2021. Before the new season began, Pandya unexpectedly returned to MI, his former team, and Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami had strong feelings about the development.
During an interview, Mohammed Shami was questioned about the entire “chapter,” in which Hardik Pandya was not the GT captain.
Shami gave a direct answer regarding Hardik’s transfer to MI, saying that the squad isn’t unduly worried about players departing. He praised Hardik’s leadership accomplishments with the Titans, noting their two championships and two postseason appearances among their stellar campaigns. The seamer also stressed that players aren’t permanently attached to a team, demonstrating a practical attitude toward player trades.
Shami said on Sports 24, “Kiso ko kisi Kai Jane Sai koyi farak nahi padta. (No one cares about anyone—Hardik Pandya leaving the Gujarat Titans.). Hardik wanted to leave, and he left. He did well as a captain, as Gujarat made it to the final twice and also won the title once. He wasn’t tied up to Gujarat for a lifetime.”
“The balance of the team must be observed. Hardik was present, and he led us expertly. We were able to win once after he led us to the final in both editions. However, Gujarat has never signed Hardik before. He can choose to stay or go at this point. Now that Shubman is captain, he will acquire experience as well. He too may depart one day. It’s also a component of the game. Participants come and go.
It’s crucial to manage the burden and maintain your performance if you’re promoted to captain. And Shubman has been given that task this time around. Though the players are essentially the same, he may be carrying some weight. Thus, he need not be concerned. To get the most out of your players, you must effectively manage them,” he continued.
Mohammed Shami on Shubman Gill
Speaking first about Gill’s time as captain and his future with the team, Shami said that Gill might play for a different team if he gets more experience. He noted that it is inevitable for players to investigate new options, stressing that this is an inherent feature of the game that cannot be stopped.
Shubman Gill will get experience as well, and he can end up playing for a different team in the future. Since it’s all part of the game, you can’t stop anyone,” the 33-year-old continued.
Former Indian President Droupadi Murmu’s Arjuna Award recipients at Rashtrapati Bhawan included Muhammad Shami, wrestler Antim Panghal, and archers Ojas Pravin Deotale, Sheetal Devi, and Aditi Gopichand Swami.
The Arjuna Award, the second-highest athletic honor in India, is granted for demonstrating leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline along with good performance over the preceding four years.
A total of 17 athletes, including the speedster Shami, who broke numerous records and took the lead in wickets with 24 at the ICC Cricket World Cup in India last year, have been awarded the Arjuna Awards for 2023.
The seasoned pacer gave thanks for the highly sought-after title the day before the ceremony but noted that not everyone could achieve it, even after years of arduous work.
“This award is a pipe dream; individuals die away and this prize is unachievable. That I am a nominee for this award makes me delighted. Since I have witnessed so many people throughout my life receive this honor, it is like a dream come true for me to receive it,” Mohammed Shami told ANI.
