The IPL 2024 season was overshadowed by a major controversy surrounding the captaincy change for Mumbai Indians (MI). Widespread rumors suggested a rift between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya after the MI team management replaced long-serving skipper Rohit with the star all-rounder.
This fueled speculation about tensions between the two players. However, during the T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit and Hardik put their differences aside and led India to victory as world champions. The resolution of their differences had remained a mystery—until now, when the story behind their reconciliation has finally been unveiled.
Veteran sports journalist Vimal Kumar, speaking on a podcast on 2 Sloggers' YouTube channel, revealed how Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya put their differences aside, united, and ultimately led India to victory in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.
"When I went to the nets, on the first day I saw they were standing far apart and did not talk to each other. But by the second day, I saw them come over, one after the other, and sit together in a corner, talking for a long time. That moment for me defined this team. There was no camera there; nothing. The way Rohit and Hardik were talking, I was like 'what am I watching?'," Vimal Kumar said on 2 Sloggers' YouTube channel.
The journalist emphasized that resolving the differences between Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma was crucial in calming the atmosphere in the dressing room.
"There is so much going on in India with the public talking about their differences. After that, for the next three days, Rohit and Hardik would bat parallelly. And then Rohit would point out about his batting, bowling. When I saw that atmosphere and thought if they addressed such a complex issue, the elephant in the room. That vibe I saw demonstrated how relaxed the team atmosphere was," he added.
Journalist Vimal gave credit to then head coach Rahul Dravid for handling such a volatile situation.
"The full credit goes to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma for this. The way he handled the big guys - Virat, Hardik, Rohit - I think Rahul Dravid has a lot to do with it. Everyone gelled together. That was the leadership I had confidence in," Vimal further suggested.