Hardik was shocked by Mumbai's decision: Ravi Shastri

Former Indian head coach and cricketer Ravi Shastri made a startling revelation regarding Hardik Pandya's non-retention from last year's IPL.

Talismanic all-rounder and inspiring leader Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title, in their inaugural season of the IPL. He was associated with Mumbai Indians prior to that, but the Titans snapped him up in the draft before the Mega-Auction.

Shastri says Hardik got better with added responsibility

Shastri, who has been commentating for Sky Sports during the ongoing series between England and India, said Pandya was shocked by Mumbai Indians' decision to not retain him before the IPL auction. 

They went ahead with Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Kieron Pollard, leaving the likes of Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya and Ishan Kishan out of the final list.

"It shocked him when he was not retained by Mumbai Indians," he said.

"It was tough... MI had Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharna, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya so they had to pick three out of those five. Ishan Kishan was obviously picked in the auction," he added.

Also, Shastri believes that added leadership responsibilities have worked wonders for Pandya.

"He was picked by Gujarat Titans, where he was given the extra responsibility of captaining, which did him a world of good. When given responsibility, he's a completely different cricket as opposed to just batting and fielding," he concluded.

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Hardik to play in West Indies Series

Pandya will be seen in action in the series-deciding 3rd ODI against England. He has been a key performer for his side so far and is expected to play a significant role for the Men in Blue when India tour West Indies for 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is.