NEW DELHI: Former South African pacer
Dale Steyn
feels it will be a challenging task for
Hardik Pandya
to step in as Mumbai Indians captain in place of
Rohit Sharma
and hopes that the two big personalities put aside their 'ego' before stepping onto the field.
The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League kicks off from March 22 and Mumbai Indians take last year's finalists Gujarat Titans in their first clash on March 24.
Hardik, who led Titans in two seasons, late last year moved back to his former franchise Mumbai, replacing five-time title winner Rohit as captain.
"I think it will be challenging ... the whole dynamics of leaving Mumbai and then coming back to Mumbai. I hope they have some sort of camp a month before the IPL. So, anything that's bothering anyone kind of gets ironed out before the first game," Steyn said in an interaction during the ‘Star Sports Press Room.'
The 40-year-old however felt Mumbai should do well under Pandya, who had led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022.
"You've got big personalities, guys who have done the decision making before and now in a different role. It might be that little needle that we might not be able to see or hear on TV. But these international cricketers know how to put aside the ego, and I think Mumbai will be just fine," Steyn added.
Following a successful two-year stint at Gujarat -- where Hardik took the side to 2 finals and winning one of them in 2022 -- the all-rounder returned to Mumbai in a high-profile trade ahead of the December 19 auction.
In a statement, Mumbai Indians said the change in leadership was part of their future planning and thanked Rohit for his exemplary service to the franchise.
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