‘I don’t think he is a finished product yet’ – Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya’s new role as MI skipper ahead of IPL 2024

India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been named as the new skipper of the Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2024. Notably, the 30-year-old cricketer has replaced Rohit Sharma, who led the side from 2013 to 2023 and won five titles, making the franchise the most successful one. However, the move was quite shocking to cricket fans and pundits.

Speaking on the same subject, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his insights about Hardik Pandya being appointed as the captain ahead of the IPL 2024. The well-renowned cricket commentator feels that Rohit Sharma was already aware of this bold move ahead of his decision to appoint Hardik as the captain. However, the former India opener called Hardik Pandya ‘not a finished product.’

“Rohit would have also been briefed about Mumbai Indians’ future plans. I feel Ashish Nehra had a tremendous role in making Hardik the captain he was at Gujarat Titans. So, Mumbai’s job is cut out. They have to provide inputs at a different level for Hardik to replicate them on the field, because I don’t think Hardik, as a captain, is a finished product yet,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Rohit Sharma should have been allowed to leave on his own terms: Hardik Pandya

Aakash Chopra accepted that it might be hard for Mumbai Indians to let go of Rohit Sharma ahead of the event. Moreover, the 46-year-old cricketer also opened up about the fans emotions after Rohit Sharma was replaced as the skipper.

“While it’s extremely important to give someone a chance at the right time, it’s even more critical to decide when to let go of someone. There has been talk on social media that Rohit should have been allowed to leave on his own terms, or may be allowed to lead MI in one match before Hardik was asked to take over. I personally don’t subscribe to it. There is no one bigger than a team,” he added further.