The newly-appointed skipper Hardik Pandya has joined Mumbai Indians camp ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. The five-time IPL champions will kickstart their IPL 2024 campaign under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya against Gujarat Giants at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 24.
Hardik Pandya was traded to Mumbai Indians by Gujarat Titans in an all-cash deal of INR 15 crore ahead of the IPL 2024 Auction. Just few weeks after he returned to his old franchise, the star all-rounder was appointed as MI skipper, replacing five-time IPL-winning captain Rohit Sharma at the helm of the team.
Hardik played a crucial role in the success of Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2021, winning four titles with the team and thereafter, he departed to join Gujarat Titans in 2022.
Hardik Pandya makes home return after two years
In a video shared by Mumbai Indians on its X handle (formerly Twitter), Hardik Pandya is wearing the team's traditional blue practice kit, walked into the dressing room and hugged head coach Mark Boucher.
Pandya took blessings of god and did a small puja and head coach Mark Boucher broke the coconut on the floor as a symbol of auspiciousness according to Hindu ritual.
The rise of Hardik Pandya as an all-rounder began when he was brought by Mumbai Indians at the IPL 2015 Auction. Since then, he climbed the ladder of success and become vital asset of Mumbai Indians.
With Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya has aggregated 1,476 runs, including four half-centuries, at an average of 27.33 in 92 matches. With the ball, he picked 42 wickets.
Can Hardik Pandya lead Mumbai Indians to sixth IPL title?
After Hardik Pandya was announced captain of Mumbai Indians, there were questions whether the all-rounder will be able to carry on the legacy of Rohit Sharma and lead the team to the sixth IPL triumph.
Pandya showcased his captaincy brilliance when he led Gujarat Titans to the first IPL title in their debut season in 2022. He also Titans to the second consecutive IPL final but lost to Chennai Super Kings in the final over thriller in 2022.
Before captaining Gujarat Titans in their maiden IPL season, Hardik Pandya didn't have any leadership experience at any level of cricket and his credentials as captain was questioned. However, the 30-year-old managed to answer the critics by leading GT to their first IPL title.
Hardik Pandya led Team India in T20Is in the absence of Rohit Sharma after Men in Blue's semifinal defeat to England in the T20 World Cup 2022. The all-rounder captained India in 16 matches, winning 10 games while facing five losing, boasting a winning percentage of 62.50%.
Since Hardik Pandya is set to lead the team that has a huge legacy in the IPL, it remains to be seen whether can able to sustain leadership brilliance and guide Mumbai Indians to record-breaking title win.
