“To pull the team together in one direction and help them perform collectively” – Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya’s challenge as MI captain

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra feels Hardik Pandya’s challenge as Mumbai Indians’ captain will be to pull the team together in one direction and help the players perform collectively. Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians after leading Gujarat Titans for two seasons in an all-cash trade deal.

The all-rounder led the Titans to glory in IPL 2022 and also led the franchise to the final of the tournament in the previous season. Pandya will now replace Rohit Sharma as MI captain and will have big shoes to fill as the latter led the franchise to five titles during his stint.

“From the team perspective, Hardik has been given everything he would have wanted. But his biggest challenge will be to pull the team together in one direction and help them perform collectively. Without that, the trophy can’t be won. MI’s season will depend on Pandya’s leadership skills. If he can help the team focus collectively, they can win,” said Chopra on Jio Cinema.

The reputed commentator added that Mumbai Indians’ squad strength makes them a title contender for the upcoming season.

“It’s not easy to bring back the trophy. But if you look at the Mumbai squad, they should bring it back. If you look at their Indian players, there are only one-two players who are not capped. Most of them are India players and have performed. Their overseas players provide them plenty of options,” added Chopra.

On the other hand, former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel believes there will be pressure on Hardik Pandya to deliver the goods.

“There will be a lot of pressure on Hardik, it will be challenging, replacing a five-time title-winning captain and a team that is used to playing a certain way for 10 years. And this change of guard will be challenging for Hardik and for the players who are so used to playing under Rohit Sharma,” said Patel.

Pandya recently returned to practice after recovering from an ankle injury, which he suffered in the ODI World Cup.

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 24 at Ahmedabad.