Mumbai Indians announces recently traded Hardik Pandya as new captain for IPL 2024

In a significant move, Mumbai Indians today announced a significant leadership transition for the upcoming 2024 season. Renowned all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to take the helm as the captain of the Mumbai Indians, succeeding its longest-serving, one of the most successful and loved captains the illustrious Rohit Sharma.

Hardik Pandya moved from Mumbai to Gujarat in 2022 due to some internal differences and was picked up by Gujarat Titans in drafts and made their captain. Hardik Pandya had an amazing stint with Gujarat Giants and under his leadership Gujarat managed to clinch their maiden IPL trophy followed by being runners-up in the second season.

But in a shocking turn of events last month it was announced that Hardik Pandya will be moving back to his old franchise through the  IPL trade window in an all-cash deal. It came as a shocker to everyone as Hardik Pandya was having a wonderful stint with Gujarat as a captain and Mumbai already had an amazing leader in the form of Rohit Sharma who has won them five titles.

Mumbai Indians announce their decision in an official statement

But in less than a month of the whole Hardik Pandya trade saga, another news shook the fans when today Mumbai shockingly announced Hardik Pandya as the captain for the upcoming 2024 IPL season. Hardik Pandya seems excited to be back at his old franchise but things aren’t looking rosy inside the Mumbai dressing room as soon after the Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah shared a cryptic post on social media which signified that he is somewhat affected by this move.

However, amid all this Mahela Jayawardene who is Mumbai’s Global Head of Performance said, “It is part of legacy building and staying true to the MI philosophy of being future-ready. Mumbai Indians have always been blessed with exceptional leadership right from Sachin to Harbhajan and Ricky to Rohit, who while contributing to the immediate success have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future. It is in keeping with this philosophy that Hardik Pandya will assume captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season.”

He further added, “We express our gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his exceptional leadership; his tenure as the captain of the Mumbai Indians since 2013 has been nothing short of extraordinary. His leadership has not only brought unparalleled success to the team but has also solidified his place as one of the finest captains in the history of the IPL.

"Under his guidance, MI became one of the most successful and loved teams ever. We will look forward to his guidance and experience on and off the field to further strengthen MI. We welcome Hardik Pandya as the new captain of MI and wish him all the very best."