WATCH: Mohammed Shami reacts on Hardik Pandya leaving Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024

Hardik Pandya has remained in the headlines since making a blockbuster return to the Mumbai Indians (MI). Following a week of speculation, the star all-rounder was transferred from Gujarat Titans (GT) to the Mumbai-based franchise in anticipation of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The substantial all-cash trade deal was facilitated with the commitment of the captaincy role for the most successful franchise in the lucrative league.

On December 15, Mumbai Indians (MI) declared Pandya as their new captain, resulting in the removal of Rohit Sharma from the role. The individual who had guided the franchise to five titles over a decade is no longer at the helm. This surprising decision, occurring shortly after leading his national team to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, was met with discontent from both MI and Indian fans. As the ramifications of this move circulated on social media, negative sentiments also extended towards Pandya.

Citing to which the Arjuna Award winner, India speedster, Mohammed Shami landed a brutal response on the issue. Shami expressed his straightforward and frank opinion regarding Hardik Pandya’s shift from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024. The fast bowler stated that the move did not garner much attention because Hardik wasn’t committed to the franchise for a lifetime.

“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,” Shami said as reported by crictoday.com.

Watch the video here:

Shubman Gill to lead Gujarat Titans

Following Pandya’s departure, Shubman Gill has been designated as the captain of the Titans. This young player has yet to experience captaincy in the IPL and aims to make an immediate impact in his new role. Mohammed Shami also bears the responsibility to contribute significantly to the team’s success. In IPL 2022, Shami picked up 20 wickets and followed it by an even more impressive tally of 28 wickets in 2023.

The fast bowler’s notable performances have been a key factor behind the franchise’s impressive showings in the last two editions of the competition. With Umesh Yadav also coming back into the mix, it will be fascinating to see Shami, Umesh and Mohit Sharma (the pace trio from the 2015 ODI World Cup) back in action.