The Mumbai Indians published a team video shortly after Hardik Pandya made his “it won’t feel awkward” comment about Rohit Sharma, sparking a social media uproar.

Rumors and reports of a rift in the Mumbai Indians dressing room have surfaced since the unexpected removal of Rohit Sharma from the captaincy for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season in December.

Hardik Pandya, who was acquired via trade from Gujarat Titans in late November, was named the new captain. 

A ‘captaincy provision’ in Hardik’s contract was the subject of several media publications, while other sources stated that Rohit was not satisfied with the franchise’s call.

Before the 17th season began, the Mumbai Indians published a team video featuring Rohit and Hardik together for the first time since the announcement.

This happened right after the all-rounder from India said that having the seasoned Indian opener around “won’t feel awkward.”

In the latest video from the Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma along Mumbai Indians won five IPL titles under Rohit’s leadership from 2013 to 2023. 

However, Rohit lost his position as the team’s leader due to his declining performance at bat.

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There was a backlash against the decision because most seasoned cricket players and spectators did not agree with it.

Speaking at the pre-tournament news conference, Hardik predicted that Rohit would support him all season long as Mumbai looks to begin a new chapter in their history.

• “There won’t be any changes, as he will always be available to assist me when I need it.” Hardik stated on Monday.
• “It helps me that he is the Indian team’s captain because it was under his leadership that this squad accomplished its goals.
• There won’t be any awkward moments going forward because everything will revolve around building on what he has accomplished.

Having played for ten years under him, I am certain that he will be watching over me all season long.”

Not shortly after the press conference, MI released a team video of their IPL 2024 anthem, which included the majority of the team’s regular players as well as the renowned Sachin Tendulkar.

Social media fans were drawn to the one minute and thirty-two-second clip in its entirety, though, when Rohit and Hardik appeared in the same frame for the first time since the significant revelation.

While the majority of MI supporters were thrilled to see the two veteran cricket players together, some drew attention to the distance between Hardik and Rohit as they were sat on that sofa.

The ‘Yes-No’ tension between Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma

The all-rounder maintained the tension as one of the first questions the media asked on Monday was if Hardik had spoken with Rohit since taking over as captain.

“Yes and no to that, since he has been traveling and performing,” he responded. For the past few months, we haven’t seen one another. Since we are all professionals, we will undoubtedly talk when the team gets together and he arrives.”

At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 24, captain Hardik of the Mumbai Indians will play his previous team, the Gujarat Titans, in the opening game of the IPL 2024 season.

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