Mohammed Shami was very straightforward about Hardik Pandya moving from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024. Shami mentioned that the shift didn’t get much attention because Hardik wasn’t with the franchise forever.
For the unversed, Hardik Pandya was traded from the GT franchise to the Mumbai Indians (MI), a team that has won the IPL five times, before the IPL 2024 Auction. Even though Pandya led GT to their first IPL title in the debut season of 2022, he was released. Subsequently, he was appointed as the new captain of MI. Mohammed Shami played a pivotal role in GT’s success, finishing as the top wicket-taker in the previous IPL season. Despite his contributions, GT fell short in winning the title for the second consecutive time, losing to CSK in the Final.
Mohammed Shami Made A Big Statement On Hardik Pandya Leaving Gujarat Titans
Shami is currently recovering from an ankle injury and is not actively participating. His name was not included in the India team for the initial two Tests against England.
Speaking about Pandya’s departure on the sidelines of the Arjuna Award ceremony, which Shami recently won, he stated to Sports 24. Shami said:
“Kiso ko kisi Kai Jane Sai koyi farak nahi padta. (No one cares about anyone (Hardik Pandya) leaving the franchise). 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 lifetime,”
Reiterating the same thoughts, Shami said: “Shubman Gill will also become experienced and there is a possibility of him playing for another franchise in the future. You can’t stop anyone as it is part and parcel of the game.”
Shubman Gill will assume the leadership role for the Gujarat-based team in the upcoming season of the tournament. He was appointed as the captain of the franchise following Pandya’s departure.
Mohammed Shami reacts to Hardik Pandya leaving Gujarat Titans 😂 pic.twitter.com/lBALRQmI3y
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) January 16, 2024
