Hardik Pandya shares emotional 'bonds never change' post for Kieron Pollard after MI captaincy takeover
Published - 16 Mar 2024, 04:19 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:29 AM
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Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya shared an emotional post upon reuniting with Kieron Pollard, ahead of the IPL 2024 season. Hardik Pandya expressed his joy at returning to the Mumbai Indians after a successful two-year stint with the Gujarat Titans.
Hardik Pandya returned to the Mumbai Indians for the upcoming Indian Premier League season after being traded from the Gujarat Titans in November 2023. The all-rounder won four championships with MI before leading GT to their maiden trophy win in 2022.
Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya shared a close bond during Pandya’s seven-year stint with the MI franchise. The Indian all-rounder joined the Mumbai team in 2015. Pollard retired from IPL cricket in 2023 and transitioned into the role of Mumbai Indians’ batting coach.
Some Bonds Never Change – Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya took to Instagram on Saturday, March 16, to share a throwback image. In his post, Pandya expressed his affection for Pollard and his eagerness to collaborate once again with his beloved ‘brother.’
“Some bonds never change my brother but only get stronger 🤗 Excited to work together again ❤️❤️❤️ @kieron.pollard55,” he wrote.
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Kieron Pollard represented the Mumbai team for 13 consecutive seasons after his arrival in 2010. He played a pivotal role in all five championship victories for the Mumbai Indians. The 36-year-old amassed 3,412 runs and claimed 69 wickets in his illustrious career.
Hardik Pandya Embarks On A New Journey During IPL 2024
Hardik Pandya, familiar with the fans and management, embarks on a new journey as Rohit Sharma’s successor this year. With past success as captain, including an IPL title in his debut season with the Gujarat Titans, Pandya brings proven leadership to the MI team.
The 30-year-old cricketer faces significant challenges in replacing the revered Rohit Sharma as the leader of a highly successful franchise. Fans and Rohit’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, criticized the team management for the captaincy change ahead of the IPL 2024 season.
Know How To Put Aside Their Ego – Dale Steyn
Former South African cricketer Dale Steyn acknowledged the challenge posed by Hardik Pandya’s return to the Mumbai Indians as captain. Steyn expressed that they can set aside personal egos for the sake of the team’s success.
“I think it will be challenging – the whole dynamics of leaving Mumbai and then coming back to Mumbai. I hope they had some sort of a camp a month before the IPL. So, anything that’s bothering anyone kind of gets ironed out before the first game,” the former fast bowler was quoted as saying by PTI.
“You’ve got big personalities, guys who have done the decision-making before and now in a different role. It might be that little needle that we might not be able to see or hear on TV. But, these international cricketers know how to put aside their ego, and I think Mumbai will be just fine,” Steyn added.
The Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2024 journey with a game against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 24.
