Hardik Pandya Emotional Interview on Ishan Kishan Leaving Mumbai Indians: Captain Hardik Pandya has broken his silence on Ishan Kishan’s departure from Mumbai Indians (MI), a team he played for continuously for seven years, from 2018 to 2024.
In a recent interview, Hardik revealed the difficulty MI faced during the IPL auction and expressed his heartfelt emotions about bidding farewell to Kishan, now a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Ishan Kishan’s Journey with Mumbai Indians
Ishan Kishan, known for his explosive batting and vibrant energy, was an integral part of MI. The franchise bought him first in 2018 and retained him in 2022 for a whopping ₹15.25 crore. Hardik fondly recalled how Ishan brought enthusiasm and refreshing energy to the dressing room, transforming the team’s dynamics.
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“Ishan came in as a young player and grew tremendously over time. He was always full of life, keeping the dressing room lively and fun. He will forever be remembered as MI’s ‘pocket dynamo’—a player who brought excitement and joy to the team,” Hardik said.
The Transition to Sunrisers Hyderabad
In the 2024 IPL auction, MI faced tough choices and couldn’t retain Ishan Kishan. SRH seized the opportunity and bought him for ₹11.25 crore. Reflecting on this, Hardik admitted, “It was difficult for us to see Ishan go, but we knew it was inevitable.
We’ll miss him a lot, not just for his on-field contributions but also for the camaraderie he shared with all of us.”
Ishan’s departure marks a significant change for both him and MI. SRH now has a formidable top-order lineup with left-handers Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Ishan Kishan. However, it remains to be seen how SRH will use Kishan in their opening combinations.
Ishan Kishan’s Struggles in 2024
The year 2024 was for Ishan. In the IPL, he managed only 320 runs in 14 matches, which was below expectations. Adding to his challenges, Ishan faced politics and controversies that affected his place in the Indian team. Hardik supported him through this phase, encouraging him to focus on domestic cricket and improve his form.
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An Emotional Farewell
Hardik’s emotional interview, shared on MI’s social media platforms, has gone viral. He openly shared the void Kishan’s departure has left in MI and how the team will always cherish his contribution.
The Fans’ Perspective
With Kishan now representing SRH, fans are wondering if MI made the right decision to let him go. Was it fair to part ways with a player who had been a pillar of their success for seven years?
What are your thoughts on this transition? Share your opinions on whether MI should have fought harder to retain their pocket dynamo. Ishan Kishan.
