'International cricketers know how to put aside their ego' - Dale Steyn gives his take on Hardik Pandya's appointment as Mumbai Indians captain

Legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn opened up about his impression of Mumbai Indians' decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as their captain for the much-awaited 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Hardik made his return to the Mumbai-based franchise through a high-profile trade with Gujarat Titans (GT). It is worth noting that the all-rounder had led the Titans to back-to-back finals and guided them to win the title in the 2022 edition which was also their maiden season.

Mumbai's decision to make a massive change in their leadership group has sparked debate in the cricketing world as Hardik takes over the captaincy mantle from Rohit Sharma who has guided the team to record-equalling five titles. Notably, the veteran has captained the side for the majority of the cash-rich league. 

While speaking about the change in leadership dynamics at MI camp, Steyn opined that it would be challenging for Hardik. The 40-year-old believes that the training camp ahead of the start of the tournament might help the all-rounder understand the present dynamics in the team.

Also read: ‘Rohit is always with the players’ - Parthiv Patel recalls Rohit Sharma backing Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya

"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," Steyn was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

There were reports that the captaincy change was not welcomed by some of the senior players in the MI camp. Nonetheless, the Proteas legend implied that the international players know how to keep their egos aside, keeping the team central.

Also read: AB de Villiers addresses 'big controversy' in Mumbai Indians' camp featuring Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma

"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," he added.

Hardik Pandya joined MI's pre-season camp and started training alongside other young players. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and some other senior members are yet to reach the camp. MI will kick start their campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.