Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has joined the franchise ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The all-rounder along with coach Mark Boucher began the team’s preparations for the 17th edition of the league.
Once all the intentional tasks are done, it is time for the cricket festival in India. IPL 2024 is about to begin March 22nd and the teams have started their preparations for the league. Coming to Mumbai Indians (MI), their captain joined the team on Monday (March 11).
There has been a lot of drama involving Mumbai Indians in the build-up to the league. Hardik Pandya was brought back into the team from Gujarat Titans. If this was not enough, he was given the captaincy of the team, replacing Rohit Sharma.
Mumbai Indians removing Rohit Sharma from the captaincy provoked many fans. They lashed out at the franchise and Hardik Pandya for the way they treated the senior batsman, who won 5 IPL titles for the team as a leader. The franchise stated that they will make the decision taking into account the future of the team.
Although the league has not started yet, there has been a lot of drama beforehand and it creates more excitement for the tournament. With just two weeks left in the league, new captain Hardik Pandya has joined the team camp in Mumbai and will look to give his best.
Hardik Pandya was seen entering the Mumbai Indians dressing room and meeting head coach Mark Boucher. The duo received blessings from the god with the all-rounder doing ‘pooja’ and head coach Boucher breaking coconuts on the ground before starting the training.
The video was posted by Mumbai Indians on their official Twitter account with the title: Let’s get started 🙏🥥 (Let’s get things started). Here is the video:
Let’s get started 🙏🥥#A family #indiosdemumbai @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/XBs5eJFdfS
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 11, 2024
Hardik Pandya has been a part of the Mumbai Indians since he debuted in the IPL. However, before the 2022 mega auction, the Gujarat Titans picked him and he captained them. He guided the team to win the title in 2022 and took them to the final in 2023. Before returning to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024.
I returned home after two years: Hardik Pandya on joining Mumbai Indians
Hardik Pandya recently spoke about joining Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He said it’s like coming home after two years and added that he hopes the fans give him the same support as before. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:
“Coming back to Mumbai Indians is like returning to the place where it all started. I am deeply grateful for the immense love and support of the fans. It is a blessing beyond words. From my journey as a youth in Baroda to Mumbai, this city has taught me to grow, instilling in me humility and resilience. The love and teachings of the city are invaluable to me and make me the cricketer I am today.
Mumbai always challenges you to be better and now with the IPL, I have returned home after two years. I look for the same support from our fans to propel us towards victory. Rest assured, I will ensure an exciting season that all fans will enjoy. It is a journey that we will all enjoy together.”
Hardik Pandya would hope to make an immediate impact and lead Mumbai Indians to win the title for the sixth time.