Watch: After Rohit Sharma's sacking, Hardik Pandya, Mark Boucher share heartwarming moment ahead of IPL 2024

Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya has joined the franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The all-rounder along with head coach Mark Boucher kickstarted the preparations for the team ahead of the 17th edition of the league.

With all the intentional assignments done, it’s time for the cricket festival in India. The IPL 2024 is all to begin on 22nd March and the teams have kickstarted their preparations for the league. Coming to the Mumbai Indians (MI), their captain joined the team on Monday (11th March).

There has been a lot of drama related to the Mumbai Indians in the build-up of the league. Hardik Pandya was traded back to the team from the Gujarat Titans. If this was not enough, he then was given the captaincy of the team, replacing Rohit Sharma.

Mumbai Indians removing Rohit Sharma from the captaincy triggered a lot of fans. They lashed out at the franchise and Hardik Pandya for the way they treated the senior batter, who won 5 IPL titles for the team as a leader. The franchise stated that they will make the decision keeping in mind the future of the team.

Even though the league is yet to start, there has been a lot of drama before and it builds up more excitement for the tournament. With the league just two weeks away from now, newly appointed skipper Hardik Pandya joined the team’s camp in Mumbai and will be looking to give his best.

Hardik Pandya could be seen entering the Mumbai Indians’ changing room and meeting head coach Mark Boucher. The duo took blessings from the god with the all-rounder doing ‘pooja’ and head coach Boucher breaking coconut on the floor before beginning the training.

The video was posted by Mumbai Indians on their official Twitter account with the caption: चला सुरु करूया 🙏🥥 (Let’s begin the things). Here’s the video:

चला सुरु करूया 🙏🥥#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/XBs5eJFdfS

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 11, 2024

Hardik Pandya has been part of the Mumbai Indians ever since he made his debut in the IPL. However, ahead of the mega auction in 2022, he was picked by Gujarat Titans and captained them. He guided the team to a title win in 2022 and took them to the final in 2023. Before returning to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024.

I have returned home after two years – Hardik Pandya on joining Mumbai Indians

Hardik Pandya recently opened up about joining Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He said that it’s like coming back home after two years and added that he expects fans to give him the same backing that they did earlier. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:

“Returning to Mumbai Indians feels like coming back to where it all began. I’m deeply thankful for the immense love and support from fans. It’s a blessing beyond words. From my journey as a young lad in Baroda to Mumbai, this city has taught me growth, instilling in me humility and resilience. The city’s love and teachings are invaluable to me, shaping me into 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 seek the same backing from our fans to propel us towards victory. Rest assured, I’ll ensure a thrilling season that every supporter will relish. It’s a journey we’ll all enjoy together.”

Hardik Pandya would be hoping to make an immediate impact and take Mumbai Indians to title win for the 6th time.