In a surprising move ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League season, Hardik Pandya has been named the new captain of the Mumbai Indians, taking over from Rohit Sharma, who led the team for an impressive ten years. Rohit’s captaincy saw the franchise clinch five IPL trophies, marking a remarkable era for the team.
Pandya, who was previously the captain of the Gujarat Titans, joined Mumbai Indians in a notable trade. His leadership with Gujarat Titans resulted in a title win in 2022.
Mumbai Indians announce Hardik Pandya as new captain
The decision to appoint Pandya as the skipper aligns with Mumbai Indians’ commitment to building a legacy and staying true to their philosophy of being future-ready, as stated by Mahela Jayawardene, the Global Head of Performance for Mumbai Indians.
Expressing gratitude to Rohit Sharma for his exceptional leadership, Jayawardene acknowledged Rohit’s extraordinary contribution to the team’s success and his status as one of the finest captains in IPL history. Despite stepping down from the captaincy, Mumbai Indians value Rohit’s experience and leadership both on and off the field, aiming to further strengthen the team with his guidance.
Hardik Pnadya was traded to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans
Pandya’s recent stint with Gujarat Titans showcased his all-round prowess. In 31 matches, he scored 833 runs at an average of 37.86 and a strike rate exceeding 133. His performance included six half-centuries, with a high score of 87*. Additionally, Pandya contributed with the ball, taking 11 wickets, with his best figures being 3/17.
Having previously played 92 matches for Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2021, Pandya brings a wealth of experience to his new role as captain. During his earlier tenure with Mumbai Indians, he scored 1,476 runs at an average of 27.33 and a strike rate surpassing 153. His all-round abilities were evident as he also claimed 42 wickets for the team, with a best bowling performance of 3/20.
Pandya boasts an impressive record, winning five IPL trophies, four with Mumbai Indians (2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) and one with Gujarat Titans in 2022. The Mumbai Indians franchise welcomes Pandya as their new captain and wishes him the very best in leading the team in the upcoming IPL season.
