Hardik Pandya is said to have returned to the Mumbai Indians (MI) club on the condition that he be named captain.
The Mumbai Indians franchise stated on Friday, December 15, that Hardik Pandya would take over as captain from Rohit Sharma for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Last month, the all-rounder was acquired from Gujarat Titans (GT).
While Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians was considered as a vital decision with the captaincy in mind, few expected the 30-year-old to take control from the start of the 2019 season. However, according to a story in The Indian Express, Hardik Pandya has stated that he will only return to MI if he is granted the leadership.
According to the source, Rohit Sharma was informed by the Mumbai Indians before the commencement of the 2023 ODI World Cup that Hardik Pandya would be returning to the Mumbai franchise as captain for the ensuing season. According to the story, Rohit was briefed on the franchise’s future plans and the urgent need for a leadership transition, to which he reportedly agreed.
Mumbai Indians were one of the premier franchises in the IPL under Rohit, winning the league five times – in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.
Hardik Pandya guided Gujarat Titans to triumph in their inaugural IPL season in 2022. GT finished second in the 2023 season, losing in the final against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Mumbai Indians announce Hardik Pandya as captain, thank Rohit Sharma for his servic
The Mumbai Indians released a formal press statement on Friday confirming Pandya’s replacement as captain for the IPL 2024 season. Mahela Jayawardene, the franchise’s worldwide head of performance, commented on the huge move:
“Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership right from Sachin to Harbhajan and Ricky to Rohit, who while contributing to the immediate success have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future. It is in keeping with this philosophy that Hardik Pandya will assume captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season.”
Mahela Jayawardene
The statement went on to praise Rohit, thanking him for his great leadership and characterizing his term as captain of the Mumbai Indians since 2013 as “nothing short of extraordinary.
“His leadership has not only brought unparalleled success to the team but has also solidified his place as one of the finest captains in the history of the IPL.”
Rohit recently led Team India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where they were defeated by Australia by six wickets.