Kumar: "Personalities like Hardik, Rohit were remarkable"

Just one day before the T20 World Cup began, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya set aside their differences and united for Team India.

The reconciliation between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, which played a crucial role in India's success at the 2024 T20 World Cup, has been one of the most intriguing stories in Indian cricket. Following tensions during the IPL, particularly within the Mumbai Indians camp, many believed that their strained relationship would affect India's World Cup campaign. However, once the tournament kicked off, Rohit and Hardik appeared completely in sync. The turning point came during India's opening match against Pakistan in New York, where Rohit embraced Hardik after he took a crucial wicket, signalling a newfound camaraderie.

As India progressed through the tournament unbeaten and eventually won the T20 World Cup, Rohit and Hardik's relationship visibly transformed. After Hardik successfully defended 16 runs in the final over, Rohit kissed him on the cheek during an interview, hugged him, and lifted him in a heartfelt display of emotion. This bond, however, began forming just one day before the tournament started. Veteran sports journalist Vimal Kumar, who was present during India’s first practice session in the USA, witnessed the moment when Rohit and Hardik had a long, private conversation that resolved their issues.

"When I went to the nets, I noticed that Rohit and Hardik weren't speaking to each other on the first day and were keeping their distance. But on the second day, I saw them sit together in a corner, talking for a long time. That moment defined the team's unity for me. There were no cameras, nothing. Watching them talk like that, I thought, 'What am I witnessing?'," Kumar shared on the 'Two Sloggers Podcast.'

"India was abuzz with talk of their differences, but over the next few days, Rohit and Hardik were often seen batting alongside each other. Rohit would even give pointers on batting and bowling. That atmosphere, and how they addressed such a complex issue, showed how relaxed and united the team was."

The tensions at Mumbai Indians began when Hardik was named captain for IPL 2024, replacing Rohit, the most successful IPL skipper. The decision sparked a public outcry, and Hardik faced boos wherever MI played. A moment where Hardik directed Rohit on where to field added fuel to the fire, and the team's performance suffered, leading to one of their earliest exits. The situation seemed too volatile for both players to coexist, but it happened, and Kumar credits former India head coach Rahul Dravid for managing the situation so effectively.

"Full credit goes to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma for handling this. The way Rahul managed big personalities like Virat, Hardik, and Rohit was remarkable. Everyone came together, and that leadership was something I had confidence in," Kumar concluded.