Inside story of how Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya resolved differences at T20 World Cup: 'First day, they didn't speak'

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya combined to help India win the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup earlier this year after everything that happened in the IPL, there were doubts over how the two star cricketers would fit into one team. The reports of animosity between Rohit and Hardik started to come out after the all-rounder was asked by Mumbai Indians to captain the franchise in IPL 2024, replacing the veteran opener.

Before the T20 World Cup, there were concerns that the differences between them could impact India's campaign but Rohit and Hardik did not allow any of it to affect their performances. While Rohit scored quick runs from the opening slot, Pandya was responsible for scoring crucial runs from the middle order and taking important wickets.

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After Hardik bowled the match-winning final over against South Africa in the final, Rohit was also seen planting a kiss on the cheeks of the all-rounder as they celebrated the trophy win together.

But how did they manage to sort out their differences?

Senior sports journalist Vimal Kumar, who covered the T20 World Cup, has now spilled the beans on how Rohit and Hardik ended their differences for the greater good.

"When I went to the nets, I noticed what was going on between Hardik and Rohit. On the first day, they didn't speak and were away from each other. But by the second day, I saw them come over, one after the other, and sit together in a corner, talking for a long time. That moment for me defined this team. There was no camera there; nothing. The way Rohit and Hardik were talking, I was like 'what am I watching?'," Vimal Kumar said on the 'Two Sloggers Podcast'.

"There is so much going on in India with the public talking about their differences. After that, for the next three days, Rohit and Hardik would bat parallelly. And then Rohit would point out about his batting, bowling. When I saw that atmosphere and thought if they addressed such a complex issue, the elephant in the room. That vibe I saw demonstrated how relaxed the team atmosphere was."

Vimal Kumar also credited then-head coach Rahul Dravid for keeping together a dressing room full of superstars.

"The full credit goes to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma for this. The way he handled the big guys – Virat, Hardik, Rohit – I think Rahul Dravid has a lot to do with it. Everyone gelled together. That was the leadership I had confidence in," Kumar said.