Hardik Pandya's transfer from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of this Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been anything but smooth; however, he is ready to take every challenge on his chin to "grow even further".
IPL 2024: Points Table | Results
Hardik replaced
Rohit Sharma
as the captain of five-time winners Mumbai Indians, but ever since that decision taken by the franchise, the allrounder has faced the ire of MI and Rohit fans, including being booed on the field.
It could have played a part in Hardik not being at his best in the first seven matches of the season, where MI have lost on four occasions and occupy seventh position on the points table.
"Challenges are fun but if you ask what would be the challenge, I think just the expectations of the franchise, expectations of the fans, which, to be very honest, does not bother me because I'd rather have little stressed or hectic life because that means I am doing something productive," said Hardik on the 'Captains Speak' segment of Star Sports.
MI are currently in Jaipur and will take on 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday.
"No matter what, we never give up. That has been a very instrumental part of MI. For me it is more exciting (that) I am pusshing my boudaries, (accepting) challenges that will make me grow even further," said Hardik.
About his return to MI, Hardik said: "It's a family. Throughout I have been an MI boy, home grown talent. When I wore the jersey, when it was announced, it felt very emotional. I really liked the moment. It was a sigh of relief saying 'finally I am home'."
English (US) ·