‘Koyi farak nahi padta’ – Mohammed Shami’s scathing take on Hardik Pandya’s exit from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024

Hardik Pandya hasn’t had a break from the news since his blockbuster return to Mumbai Indians (MI). After a week of speculation, the star all-rounder was traded from Gujarat Titans (GT) to the Mumbai-based franchise ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The massive all-cash trade deal was based on the promise of the captaincy of the most successful franchise in the cash-rich league.

On December 15, MI announced Pandya as their new captain, which meant they removed Rohit Sharma from the role. The man who led the franchise to five titles in a span of 10 years is no longer their leader. The shocking decision, just days after leading his national team to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, was not digested by MI and Indian fans alike. As the consequences of this spread widely on social media, hatred spread towards Pandya as well.

Pandya was released by MI ahead of the 2022 IPL auction and was bought by GT. He was given the responsibility of leadership which he performed admirably by leading the team to glory in the inaugural season. Under his leadership, GT achieved remarkable success as they went on to play another final the very next year. No one would have thought that such a trade deal would happen.

Hardik wanted to leave and he left: Mohammed Shami 

Meanwhile, when asked about Pandya’s departure from the team, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami gave an honest and brutal reply. Shami said no one cares about the 30-year-old’s move as he is not associated with the franchise for life.

“Kiso ko kisi Kai Jane Sai koyi farak nahi padta. (No one cares about anyone (Hardik Pandya) leaving the franchise). Hardik wanted to leave and he left. He did well as a captain as Gujarat made it to the final twice and also won the title once. He wasn’t tied up to Gujarat for lifetime,” Shami said on Sports 24.

Young India batter Shubman Gill will lead GT in the upcoming season. Shami added that there is a possibility of Gill also moving to another franchise in the future as it is part and parcel of the game. It will be challenging for both Gill and Pandya to maintain the legacy of their respective franchises.