'Hardik Pandya wouldn't be in India's T20 World Cup squad if Rohit Sharma...': WC-winning captain's bold remark amidst MI duo's rift talks

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has his say on on the rumors about a rift between Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and Team India skipper Rohit Sharma. This speculation arose after a change in leadership in MI as Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Paltans' captain right ahead of the IPL 2024.

However, things didn't pan out well for Hardik as MI, with him at the helm, had a rough IPL 2024 season. MI became the first team to get eliminated from the IPL 2024's playoffs race. Five-time IPL champions, despite being a powerhouse franchise, their season never took off. Some reports suggest internal problems, including tension between Hardik and Rohit, might be to blame.

MI fans weren't happy with Hardik replacing Rohit as captain, and they booed him during early matches this season. Hardik never seemed to win over the crowd. While there have been reports of a bad relationship between Rohit and Hardik, Clarke offers a different perspective.

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If the beef between Rohit and Hardik was as strong as people think….: Michael Clarke

Weighing in on the rumored rift between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, Australia's World Cup-winning captain Clarke suggests it might be less serious than reports claim. Clarke points to Hardik's selection in India's T20 World Cup squad as evidence. He believes Rohit, as captain, has a strong say in team selection, and wouldn't have included Hardik if the tension were truly significant. While Clarke acknowledges there could be some underlying issues, he suggests the severity is likely exaggerated.

“You know what… knowing Rohit Sharma, he will wrap his arms around Hardik Pandya. That shows the character that Rohit is. He is the Indian captain and trust me… he wants to win that World Cup," Clarke said on Around the Wicket podcast.

 

“He has had a lot of say in the 15 that is picked by India. It's very different to let's say the Australian 15. They are heavily focused on spin bowling. If the beef between Rohit and Hardik was as strong as people think, Hardik wouldn't be in that World Cup campaign. The Indian captain has that much power,” he added.

 

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Clarke remains hopeful about the friendship between Rohit and Hardik. While acknowledging the controversy surrounding Rohit's removal as MI captain, Clarke believes it won't damage their bond or Rohit's place on the national team. The 43-year-old also emphasised the need for Hardik to improve his performance. He acknowledges Hardik's recent struggles in the IPL but believes he can excel for India. This drive might stem from his shortened 2023 World Cup due to injury, potentially fueling his motivation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

 

India's quest for their second T20 World Cup title continues as they last lifted the coveted trophy in the inaugural season in 2007. Notably, Team India have been placed in Group A with USA, Canada, Pakistan and Ireland. But all eyes will be on the high-profile India versus Pakistan's clash on June 9. India's campaign will kick off on June 5 against Ireland, followed by the much-anticipated Pakistan encounter. Their remaining group-stage matches are against the USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15. Interestingly, the first three games will be played in New York, with the final group stage clash happening in Lauderhill.

 

India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah. 
Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.

 

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