Veteran Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has shared his support for Rohit Sharma as he continues to lead the Mumbai Indians (MI), despite the return of Hardik Pandya in a historic trade deal ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction. Ashwin believes that a well-established franchise like MI would have clearly communicated its plans to both Rohit and Hardik before finalizing the trade deal, ensuring a 'progression plan' is in place.
Hardik Pandya, who started his cricket career with Mumbai Indians in 2015, spent seven successful years with the franchise before being released in 2021. In 2022, he captained the newly formed Gujarat Titans as he led them to success in their inaugural season. Hardik continued his impressive leadership, guiding Gujarat Titans to the IPL final in 2023 and also serving as India's stand-in T20I captain during Rohit's workload management in the ODI World Cup year.
In a surprising turn of events, Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians after the retention window closed on November 26.
Ashwin, speaking on a YouTube show with former India cricketer S Badrinath, dismissed the notion that Hardik would be a straightforward choice to lead MI.
"Not really (Hardik straightforward choice to lead MI?). Rohit, the leader, has got a lot of miles to run. I think they might have a progression plan. That's the right thing to say. They would have given clarity to both of them. Mumbai is a top franchise, like CSK. I think they would have kept the communication lines clear. They would have spoken to both Hardik and Rohit. And they will go ahead and do it. That's an inner sanctum. We don't know what's going to happen," Ashwin s
"I see both of them as hardcore, loyal players. Winning 5 titles is not a joke. If CSK wins a title, Rohit is lifting the next one. Rohit has gone a long way. I have known him since my teenage days. I am glad for the players. It's good to see franchises valuing players. He was sold for Rs 10 lakh once, today he is a multi-million dollar player," he added.
Regarding the trade deal, Ashwin suggested that Hardik would have been unable to decline Mumbai Indians' offer, considering the history with the franchise.
"From Hardik Pandya's point of view, I know him a bit, won't claim that I know him inside out. From a player's point of view, I am saying this... if a franchise like Mumbai Indians called him and told him to return, he would value the interest shown by the franchise. it's about valuing the player.
"If a player is shown that love, that affection. Or it would always have been like this. 'You go and show what you can deliver as captain, then let's see'. I don't know what the conversation was. It's a milestone trade," Ashwin added.
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