Hardik Pandya confident Rohit Sharma will 'have his hand on my shoulders' in IPL 2024

Mumbai Indians new captain Hardik Pandya said he expects the full support of Rohit Sharma as he takes charge of the franchise amid a period of tumult that included a sudden change of leadership and reports of a rift in the team.

Sharma is one of the most successful captains in IPL, guiding the franchise to five titles. But after three unsuccessful seasons, he was removed from the position with Pandya brought in from Gujarat Titans.

The surreptitious nature of the move triggered widespread debate and an uproar from fans. It also created an awkward situation within the Mumbai dressing room as Sharma will lead Pandya in the national team during the T20 World Cup that follows the IPL.

When asked if the captaincy change in Mumbai will lead to any difficulties in this year's tournament, Pandya said he foresees no such issues.

"It won’t be any different. He is the one who has helped me out if I need any help. He is the captain of the Indian team, which will help me," Pandya said on Monday.

"Whatever he has achieved so far with Mumbai, I will be carrying it forward. I played my entire career under him. I am sure he will have his hand on my shoulders."

The star all-rounder has been on the sidelines since the 2023 ODI World Cup at home where he twisted his ankle while trying to stop a ball in a league phase match against Bangladesh.

Since then, his injury was aggravated and by the time he started bowling and batting, the white-ball season was almost over. And since he does not play Test cricket anymore, Pandya will be seen for the first time since in the IPL.

The all-rounder explained that he could have been fit sooner, but his injury flared up while trying to be ready for the knockout matches of the World Cup.

"My injury at the