IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya finally opens up on huge backlash received from fans after replacing Rohit Sharma as captain, says 'I control the...'

Hardik Pandya Press Conference: Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), newly-appointed Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya attended a press conference on March 18 (Monday). Hardik was quizzed on several important subjects and answered most of the questions while ducking his way through one or two queries. One of the questions asked Hardik was what did he make of the reaction from fans after he replaced Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians' captain.

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Hardik came up with a reply and said that he respects the backlash received from the fans but cannot control the outside noise.

"To be honest, I respect the fans and everything but at the same time we focus on the sport and I focus on what is required," Pandya said.

"I control the controllable, I don't focus on which I can't control and at the same point, we are grateful to the fans as a lot of love, fame and name come from them. They have every right to express and we respect their opinion I am very excited and going to focus on it more," he added.

What did Hardik Pandya say on Rohit Sharma?

In the press conference, Hardik admitted that he hadn't spoken with Rohit after becoming the captain of the franchise since the Hitman was busy with the national team. Rohit joined the Mumbai Indians camp on March 18, the day on which Hardik attended the press conference.

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Furthermore, Hardik asserted that Rohit will continue to guide him whenever the need arises and that there will no confusion.

"I haven't got a lot of time to talk with Rohit because he has been touring. I will definitely catch up when he links up with the team," said Hardik.

"It won't be any different. He will be helping me when I need it. As mentioned, he is the Indian captain and I've played my whole career under him. So, I don't feel it would be awkward," Hardik added when quizzed about captaining Rohit.

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