Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya
The cricket community was buzzing with the surprising news of Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Having served as the skipper for GT in the past two seasons, Pandya led them to the final both times, securing their maiden title in 2021 and finishing as runners-up in 2022 after a loss to Chennai Super Kings.
In response to Pandya’s unexpected trade to MI, India fast bowler Mohammed Shami shared his perspective in a recent interview. When questioned about the departure of Hardik Pandya as the GT captain, Shami emphasized the transient nature of player movements in the cricketing world.
“Kisike jane se kisiko farak nahi padta (See, it doesn’t matter who is leaving). You have to see the team’s balance. Hardik was there, he captained us well. He took us to the final in both editions and we won once. But Gujarat hadn’t signed Hardik for a lifetime. It’s his decision to stay or leave. Shubman is made captain now, he will also gain experience. Some day, he might also leave. And it’s a part of the game. Players come and go,” explained Shami during the interview.
Shami also provided insights into the responsibilities that come with captaincy, emphasizing the need for the new GT captain, Shubman Gill, to manage the team effectively. Shami expressed confidence that Gill, although facing the weight of leadership, would handle the responsibility well.
In other news, Shami, along with archers Ojas Pravin Deotale, Sheetal Devi, and Aditi Gopichand Swami, and wrestler Antim Panghal, was honored with the Arjuna Award at Rashtrapati Bhawan by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
The Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest athletic honor, recognizes outstanding performance over the previous four years, coupled with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline. Among the 17 athletes honored for their achievements in 2023, Shami, the tearaway speedster, stood out as the leading wicket-taker in the ICC Cricket World Cup, claiming 24 scalps and setting several records.
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