Hardik Pandya is set for a stellar return as Mumbai Indians kick off their campaign against former team Gujarat Titans on March 24th. During the off-season, Hardik was traded from GT to MI for a staggering 15 crores, while Shubman Gill assumed the role of GT’s skipper. The upcoming match will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Hardik previously made memorable contributions as the Titans’ leader.
The India all-rounder has been sidelined since October due to an ankle injury sustained during the India vs. Bangladesh match in the ODI World Cup. Initially thought to be a minor injury, it was later discovered that Hardik had torn ligaments, prolonging his absence from the field.
Although surgery was not required, his return to cricket was delayed. However, in preparation for his comeback with the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, he is currently engaged in match simulations in Alur, near Bengaluru.
Hardik commenced his IPL journey with MI in 2015, contributing to their squad for six seasons and winning the title in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. However, following a lacklustre performance in 2021, MI released him. Subsequently, Hardik assumed the captaincy of the new Gujarat franchise.
In his debut season as GT’s skipper in 2022, he guided them to a top-of-the-table finish and clinched the title. Despite a loss to CSK in the 2023 final, Hardik’s leadership led GT to another impressive season.
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