Hardik Pandya included in Matthew Hayden's all-time best IPL XI

Hardik Pandya has been named as the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) side for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has added Hardik Pandya to his all-time best IPL Playing XI. Hardik Pandya was injured during the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh and since then he has been out of competitive cricket. He will return to action in the IPL 2024 leading the Mumbai-based franchise after a successful couple of seasons at the Gujarat Titans (GT).

Hardik Pandya’s IPL career has been nothing short of brilliant as he won the title in his debut season as a player and as a captain. He made his debut in the IPL under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy for Mumbai Indians in the 2015 edition of the IPL. Hardik Pandya has won five IPL titles in his career four with MI as a player and one with GT as the skipper. He led Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in their debut season in 2022 and then also reached the finals in the last season but lost the summit clash against MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.

Matthew Hayden was asked for his all-time best XI for the IPL during a Star Sports show named ‘Incredible 16 of the IPL’. Hayden picked both Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja in his XI stating that both are great fielders and Jadeja provides a left-arm option.

“I don’t want to waste, if there is such a thing where you’re picking greats, an opportunity for an Indian talent instead of an overseas talent, so Hardik Pandya walks into my greatest eleven side for sure. I’m going to pick Jadeja as well, as I want that left-arm option, and a great fielder, which Hardik is as well. So Hardik at this stage is my choice,” Matthew Hayden said.

Hardik Pandya will lead the Mumbai Indians this season

The decision to announce Hardik Pandya as the new captain was not welcomed by the fans as they were agitated to see their most successful skipper being removed from the role. Rohit Sharma has led Mumbai Indians from 2013 and has won five IPL titles with them as their leader and he was removed without any prior information. Hardik Pandya returned to his previous home after playing for the Ahmedabad-based franchise for two seasons leading them to their maiden title.

Mumbai Indians still has Rohit Sharma as a player and according to the franchise and their head coach Mark Boucher, the decision to remove him from captaincy may bring out his best as a batter. Rohit Sharma won five IPL titles as Mumbai Indians’ skipper and has also won a title with Deccan Chargers in 2009 as a player. Hardik Pandya has a big challenge in front of him to lead the team and fill in the shoes of Rohit Sharma who is one of the most successful captains in the competition.

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League is expected to commence during the third week of March and will last till the last week of May. Mumbai Indians will be aiming to win their sixth IPL title and reclaim their throne of being the best and most successful team in the IPL.