Mumbai Indians announced Hardik Pandya as the captain for IPL 2024

New Delhi: Mumbai Indians made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing that Hardik Pandya will assume the captaincy role for the franchise in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), replacing Rohit Sharma.

The all-rounder recently joined Mumbai Indians after being traded from Gujarat Titans, where he led the team to one title and one runners-up finish in his two-season stint.

Rohit Sharma, one of the IPL's longest-serving captains, took over the leadership of Mumbai Indians in 2013. Under Rohit's guidance, the team secured five IPL titles, a feat matched by the Chennai Super Kings. Commenting on this leadership transition, Mahela Jayawardene, MI Global Head of Performance, stated, "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, from Sachin to Harbhajan and Ricky to Rohit, who, while contributing to immediate success, have always had an eye on strengthening the team for the future."

Jayawardene added, "It is in keeping with this philosophy that Hardik Pandya will assume the captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season." This announcement comes six months before the T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies.

Speculation had been circulating that Rohit Sharma might not participate in the T20 World Cup next year, with the possibility of Hardik leading the side. Pandya has been leading the national team in T20Is since the 2022 World Cup. His elevation to Mumbai Indians' captaincy strongly indicates a similar role in the T20 World Cup.

Currently undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining an injury during the ODI World Cup 2023, Pandya's availability for the upcoming home T20I series against Afghanistan in January is yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, who opted out of the white-ball leg against South Africa, is set to return to lead the side in the Test series starting on Boxing Day. Hardik Pandya played a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians' successful IPL campaigns from 2015 to 2021 before captaining Gujarat Titans.