How Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya reunited after tough IPL season
The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) edition was clouded by controversy due to a change in captaincy for Mumbai Indians (MI). The team decided to replace their long-standing skipper, Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya. This decision was made after bringing back Pandya from Gujarat Titans (GT) in an all-cash deal, sparking rumors of a rift between the two players. As per veteran journalist Vimal Kumar, Rohit and Hardik left it all behind for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
Kumar reveals details of Rohit, Pandya's reunion
Kumar, while speaking on 2 Sloggers podcast, revealed that while the two players did not interact on Day 1 of practice ahead of the T20 World Cup, they had a lengthy discussion the following day. He described this moment as defining for the team and suggested that their conversation played a crucial role in easing tensions. "By the second day, I saw them come over, one after the other, and sit together in a corner, talking for long," Kumar said.
Contributions to India's T20 World Cup victory
Despite the rumors, both Rohit and Pandya played significant roles in India's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. Their camaraderie was evident when they hugged each other after the winning the final against South Africa in Barbados, dispelling any doubts about their relationship. While Rohit finished as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, Pandya shone with his all-round skills, especially in the final.
Dravid's role in managing team dynamics
Kumar also attributed the successful management of this potentially volatile situation to Rahul Dravid, India's head coach during the tournament. He praised Dravid for his ability to effectively manage key players like Virat Kohli, Pandya, and Rohit. This was a significant factor in India's title-clinching victory against South Africa, which incidentally marked Dravid's last game as head coach.
Rohit, Pandya's relationship during T20 World Cup
Despite initial tensions, Rohit and Pandya demonstrated a united front from the start of the ICC tournament. Their solidarity was particularly evident in India's match against Pakistan in New York. By the time India clinched the T20 World Cup title, they had fully reconciled their differences and were celebrating as a team.
