Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya reunited at the Mumbai Indians (MI) practice session before IPL 2024, sharing a heartfelt hug on Wednesday (March 20). Hardik approached his former captain and embraced him warmly.
The franchise posted a video of the senior players’ embrace on social media. This marks Rohit’s first practice session with the team since joining for IPL 2024. Hardik has taken over as MI’s captain for IPL 2024, succeeding Rohit.
He made a remarkable return to MI through a trade before the IPL 2024 mini-auction. With Hardik’s successful stint as Gujarat Titans’ (GT) captain, it was inevitable for him to return to MI in a leadership role.
You can watch the video here:
𝟰𝟱 🫂 𝟯𝟯#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians | @hardikpandya7 @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/eyKSq7WwCV
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 20, 2024
Several weeks after the trade, MI officially announced a change in leadership, replacing Rohit as captain. Hardik previously led GT in IPL 2022 and 2023, guiding them to victory in IPL 2022 and securing a spot in the IPL 2023 final.
Although GT narrowly lost in the final to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on the last delivery, Hardik’s leadership was instrumental in their success.
Hardik Pandya will be under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy during the T20 World Cup
In IPL 2024, Rohit Sharma will be playing under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, whereas in the upcoming T20 World Cup, the roles will be reversed, with Hardik playing under Rohit’s leadership. The BCCI has confirmed Rohit as the captain of the Men in Blue for the ICC event, with Hardik serving as his deputy.
Hardik had an opportunity to lead Team India temporarily in 2022. With Rohit absent from T20Is in 2023, Hardik assumed the captaincy, appearing poised to take on the role permanently in the shortest format.
However, Hardik sustained an injury during the 2023 World Cup and has been sidelined since then. Rohit’s comeback during the T20I series against Afghanistan in January suggested that he would lead the team in the World Cup.
Mumbai Indians’ IPL fixture list
Mumbai Indians will commence their IPL 2024 journey with an away match against Gujarat Titans on March 24. Their second match will be against another opponent, Hyderabad, on March 27.
MI’s inaugural home game will be against Rajasthan Royals on April 1, followed by a match against Delhi Capitals on April 7. The showdown between the two teams on Super Sunday will kick off at 3:30 PM IST. Despite the General Elections, the entire IPL 2024 season will be held in India.
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