The much-awaited 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on the horizon, poised to kick off on March 22. Among the notable changes this season is the Mumbai Indians’ shift in leadership, with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya stepping into the role of captaincy, succeeding the iconic Rohit Sharma.
Hardik Pandya’s appointment as captain comes following his transfer from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians in a high-profile, all-cash deal. This significant change marks a new era for the five-time champions as they enter the tournament under fresh leadership.
Reacting to Hardik Pandya’s new role, former Australia cricketer and ex-Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody commended the move, describing Pandya as a proven performer. However, Moody also highlighted the challenges and pressures that come with captaincy.
WATCH – Suniel Shetty Trolls KL Rahul: Rohit Sharma Joins The Banter
“He has got a team that will back him up and alleviate the pressure of inconsistent performances. He will have the support of both Indian and overseas players because of his stature as a highly respected cricketer and a versatile all-rounder,” Tom Moody shared with ESPNcricinfo.
Tom Moody cautioned about the scrutiny and criticism that often accompany captaincy, especially during tough times. He emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence and resilience, particularly in the face of adversity.
Despite the potential pitfalls, Tom Moody expressed confidence in Pandya’s leadership abilities, citing his successful stint as captain of the Gujarat Titans. Under Pandya’s guidance, the Titans clinched their maiden IPL title in 2022 and reached the summit clash once again in 2023.
“When you are winning, you can make the craziest decisions, and still people build them up to being genius strokes. Hardik has the credentials as the Gujarat Titans leader, he is tactically sound and he will be supported by all the senior players, both Indian and overseas,” Tom Moody concluded.
ALSO READ: Top 5 IPL 2024 Players Potentially In Their Last Season
As the IPL season draws near, Pandya’s maiden task as captain will be against his former team, the Gujarat Titans. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 24, promising an exciting start to Mumbai Indians’ campaign under new leadership.
