Just before the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a huge and shocking reversal has been seen in the Indian cricket world. Star all-rounder and important pillar of the Indian T20 team Hardik Pandya has left Mumbai Indians and joined Punjab Kings. Under this blockbuster trade deal, Hardik Pandya has been signed by the Punjab franchise for Rs 18 crore, while fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has gone to the camp of Mumbai Indians at the same price. Since this big trade, there was a strong discussion in the corridors of cricket whether the command of the Punjab team will change after the arrival of Hardik Pandya and will he become the captain? Breaking his silence on all these speculations and debates, Hardik Pandya himself has issued a statement on social media, which has completely put an end to all the speculations. By sharing a post on social media, Hardik dispelled all the speculations about captaincy. Ever since Hardik Pandya, who captained Mumbai Indians and has commanded India at the international level, joined Punjab Kings, the question was constantly being raised whether he himself wants to become the captain in place of Shreyas Iyer. Putting a full stop to all these discussions, Hardik Pandya shared a picture of himself in Punjab Kings jersey on his official Instagram handle and wrote a wonderful caption. Starting his message with 'Sat Shri Akal', Hardik wrote, "My captain Shreyas. My coach Ricky (Ricky Ponting). my team. Whole Punjab. I stand behind you. His humble and team spirited message is a clear proof that he is all set to play as a player under the leadership of current team captain Shreyas Iyer and his main aim is to lead Punjab to its first IPL title. Historic trade for Punjab Kings and a new start with Ricky Ponting Hardik Pandya breaking his ties with Mumbai Indians and joining Punjab Kings is going to prove to be a new and exciting chapter in his IPL career. Before this, he has played for franchises like Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, and has made Gujarat the champion in the very first season under his captaincy. In such a situation, his coming into the Punjab camp as an experienced player and match winner increases the strength of the team manifold. Along with this, the eyes of cricket lovers all over the world are fixed on how this new journey of Hardik turns out under the guidance of Ricky Ponting as the head coach of the team and the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. Analysts believe that Hardik's positive attitude and dedication towards the team will further strengthen the atmosphere in the dressing room. Fans are excited about the upcoming season, the team will try to end the title drought. In IPL history, the Punjab Kings team has not yet won a single title, and the team management is continuously working on such strategies so that this drought can be ended. With the arrival of explosive all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, the balance and middle order of the team has become very strong. Fans are also very eager to see their favorite player in a new style. The way Hardik has openly expressed his support towards the team captain and coach, it is clear that in the coming season, the Punjab team will take the field with complete unity and new enthusiasm and will present a tough challenge to the opposing teams.
