IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya, Mark Boucher excuse 'captaincy clause' questions during MI presser

As Mumbai Indians gear up for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, Hardik Pandya and Mark Boucher came forward to address the media in the press conference held on Monday, March 18. Both the skipper and the head coach took the responsibility to answer curiosity among media personnel regarding the preparations for the highly-anticipated season.

However, the duo was seen uncomfortable in taking questions, which could speculate controversies. The main topic of discussion was the change in captaincy, after their long-term skipper Rohit Sharma was replaced by the returning Pandya, who got traded to MI from Gujarat Titans, who won a title in their maiden season under Pandya.

Also Read: 'I never tried to convince him to stay back' — Ashish Nehra on Hardik Pandya's move to Mumbai Indians

In an unexpected turn, Pandya and Boucher deviously skipped two questions that were linked to Rohit Sharma. A journalist asked, “We were hearing rumours that there was a captaincy clause in your contract.” Before he finished his query, the media managers asked not proceed with the question. Moving forward, another journalist questioned the head coach, “What was the one reason that made the management decide that Rohit Sharma should not captain the Mumbai Indians and Hardik should captain?” which also they kept their mouths shut at.

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Meanwhile, the newly-appointed leader was asked on if the cricketer has spoken to their five-time title-winning skipper upon a change in captaincy roles. However, the Baroda-born gave an ambiguous answer, citing that Rohit's hectic travel schedules didn't allow him to do so.

“Have you had a chat with Rohit Sharma since taking over as captain of MI?" a media correspondent asked. He replied, “Yes and No. He has been travelling non-stop.”

Rohit's hand will be on my shoulders throughout the season: Hardik

Pandya's return to MI, witnesses the end of Rohit's ten-year run as the team captain. 'Hitman', who took over the captaincy in 2013, has guided MI to clinch a record-equalling five titles. Hardik, on the other hand, joined Gujarat Titans in 2022 and led the team to two consecutive finals, triumphing in their maiden season.

The 30-year-old was returned to his previous team following a high-profile trade from 2022 champions Gujarat Titans and was subsequently named captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma. The five-time champions will kick-start their IPL campaign against Hardik's previous team on March 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Newly-appointed skipper Shubman Gill joins Gujarat Titans huddle

While speaking during the pre-season press conference before the commencement of the tournament, Hardik was asked about his conversation with Rohit since returning to MI. To which, the all-rounder stated that they had not had a proper conversation since the India captain had been travelling. Notably, this was Hardik's first press conference along with head coach Mark Boucher after taking over the leadership role.