Hardik Pandya is now leading the Mumbai Indians, and Shubman Gill is captaining the Gujarat Titans. Hardik previously led Gujarat in IPL 2022 and 2023 but decided to join his “home” team, Mumbai Indians, before IPL 2024.
Shubman Gill, who had a fantastic IPL season in 2023 with 890 runs in 17 matches, is now taking over as the captain from Hardik. The Gujarat Titans management decided this soon after the auction last year. Shubman has been doing well in international cricket in 2024 and hopes to continue his good form in the IPL.
Hardik Pandya’s Gesture For Shubman Gill Has Won Many Hearts
Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians after leading Gujarat Titans for two years surprised Indian cricket fans. What shocked them even more was him being chosen as the captain instead of Rohit Sharma. Many experts and fans didn’t like this decision.
Meanwhile, the captains met for the first time ahead of their first game against each other, and they seemed happy.
Hardik Pandya was asked many questions at the pre-match press conference but stayed quiet for most of it. There was confusion when Mark Boucher wasn’t allowed to answer a question about the management’s decision to bring Hardik back to Mumbai Indians.
Watch the re-union of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya:
GT-MI-laap ✅#AavaDe | #GTKarshe | #TATAIPL2024 pic.twitter.com/2dJbQxvXQw
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) March 22, 2024
Earlier in the day, Hardik Pandya expressed his excitement about returning to the Mumbai Indians through an Instagram post. He mentioned that teaming up with Rohit Sharma again wouldn’t be awkward at all, as Rohit has always been supportive and has had his back. Sharing the video, Hardik wrote:
“In my 10th IPL season, grateful for the journey, for the growth, for everything that’s come my way. And to be back with a team that’s always been in my heart, Mumbai Indians,”
He added: “It won’t be awkward or anything different. It will be a nice experience. I have played all my career under his captaincy. I know he is going to have a hand on my shoulder always, throughout the season,”