MI pacer calls Hardik 'exceptional' and 'motivational' leader

Pandya's first tenure as Mumbai Indians skipper, stepping in for the highly successful Rohit Sharma, turned into a challenging experience as the five-time champion franchise missed the playoffs. MI fans also disapproved of the team's decision, as Pandya, who had led the Gujarat Titans to back-to-back IPL finals and a championship win in their inaugural season, faced boos in every game.