Just days before the IPL 2024 auction, Hardik Pandya was named captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI). This unexpected news surprised many cricket fans, especially those who wished for Rohit Sharma to keep leading the five-time IPL winners.
However, there’s a chatter that Hardik Pandya might not play in IPL 2024. The reason? A sudden ankle injury, which happened at the 2023 World Cup match with Bangladesh. Initially, everyone thought he’d be back for the T20I series against Afghanistan. But now, that seems less likely.
MI hosted a fantastic IPL 2024 auction. They acquired a few elite players at extremely modest prices, which allowed them to strengthen their vulnerabilities while having a relatively little budget. Therefore, MI will still be able to present a very formidable team even if Hardik is ruled out of the IPL in 2024.
The following three factors will not impact MI’s IPL 2024 campaign in light of Hardik Pandya’s probable lengthy injury layoff:
1. Overseas all-rounders add quality to their squad
If Hardik Pandya was healthy, the Mumbai Indians were predicted to start just one player out of Mohammad Nabi and Romario Shepherd. But if Hardik is out, both of them could have to play to offer MI a sixth bowling option and boost their batting depth.
Though Nabi is nearing career’s end, he’s a top-rated all-rounder in T20I cricket. Shepherd is yet to shake the IPL, but was recently a standout for West Indies. He’s keen to transfer this strong show to the IPL.
2. MI’s Indian batsmen give them an edge
Recently, Hardik Pandya has shifted focus towards batting and has even been rumored to bat at No. 4 for Mumbai Indians during the IPL 2024. Although not a usual position for him with the Mumbai squad, his performance with the Gujarat Titans proves his competency.
Filled with stellar players, the Mumbai Indian’s roster is nothing less than impressive. Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma are regular Indians team members. With exceptional abilities, Nehal Wadhera will take on duties in place of Hardik in the playing XI.
3. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy could be an added bonus
Hardik Pandya not playing in IPL 2024 might result in Rohit Sharma regaining his captain role. He led the Mumbai Indians between 2013-23, earning them five IPL victories and a CLT20 title during this period.
Rohit’s adept leadership recently brought India to the 2023 World Cup final. As a right-handed hitter, he’s altered his strategy too, enabling good initial momentum and granting the middle-order hitters more time to adjust.
Rohit’s age is not decreasing. During the 2024 Indian Premier League, he will be 37 and be excited to add some silverware to his trophy collection. In the summer of 2019, the Nagpur-born batsman will give it his all to lead MI to their sixth IPL championship, captain or not.
