Hardik Pandya drops huge 'unforgettable IPL 2024 ride' statement, opens up on bond with Lasith Malinga, Mark Boucher
Published - 15 Mar 2024, 04:46 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:28 AM
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has fired a timely warning to other teams ahead of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). After proving his captaincy with Gujarat Titans, the India allrounder will be desperate to replicate his success with the Mumbai-based outfit.
He will be under immense pressure to deliver as captain after replacing Rohit Sharma, one of the most decorated skippers in the history of the IPL. Rohit led Mumbai Indians from 2013 to 2023 and guided them to a record five titles. However, Mumbai have not won the IPL or qualified for the final since winning the tournament in 2020 and decided to sack Rohit as the captain.
Unsurprisingly, Hardik Pandya will be under pressure to do well as a captain. And ahead of IPL 2024, the India star has made it clear that he is delighted with his return to Mumbai Indians and is excited for the forthcoming season. In a video posted by Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya expressed his delight over returning home.
“The feeling of wearing this color is very special for me. Journey started here, coming back and playing, coming back home, which is always going to be special,” said Hardik Pandya.
Speaking further, he opened up his relationship with head coach Mark Boucher and bowling coach Lasith Malinga before saying that Mumbai Indians want to enjoy an unforgettable ride in IPL 2024.
“Mali (Malinga) has been my brother from the start and Mark has been wonderful. We will make sure we play a brand of cricket which all will be proud of and at the same point of time, that’s going to be a ride no one will forget,” he added.
Watch as Hardik Pandya opens up on his return to Mumbai Indians:
"My journey started here. Coming back home & playing is always going to be special." – @hardikpandya7💙#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/GrtVmjl7Xd
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 15, 2024
The onus will be on Hardik Pandya to end Mumbai Indians’ wait for a record-extending sixth IPL title. While Mumbai struggled in the last few years, the allrounder did well as a captain with Gujarat Titans. In 2022, he led Gujarat to their maiden IPL title before helping them to a runners-up finish in 2023.
IPL 2024 is scheduled to get underway on March 22. Mumbai will open their campaign on March 24 against Gujarat Titans.
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