- Hardik Pandya set to miss Afghanistan T20I series but not the IPL 2024 due to a lingering ankle injury from the 2023 World Cup.
- Pandya’s trade from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians, with a substantial fee, makes headlines.
- Controversy arises as Pandya is reported to replace Rohit Sharma as the captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to miss the upcoming Afghanistan T20I series due to an ongoing injury, as reports indicate. Initially, concerns were raised about his availability not only for the T20I series but also for the IPL 2024. However, it is reported that he would be fully available for the cash-rich league.
The injury, sustained during the World Cup 2023 in India, occurred when Pandya twisted his left ankle while making a boundary-saving effort against Bangladesh. Despite two months passing since the incident, the injury has not fully healed, prompting his absence from the Afghanistan series.
Notably, Pandya’s recent trade from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians made headlines, with a substantial trade fee involved. Having played a few seasons for the Titans, Pandya is making a return to his original franchise, Mumbai Indians, where he began his IPL journey in 2015.
Hardik Pandya to lead MI in IPL 2024
In an unexpected turn, it is decided that Pandya will lead the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024. It is said that he agreed to return to Mumbai Indians on the condition that he would be made the captain. This decision has replaced Rohit Sharma, who successfully led the team to five IPL trophies, making them the first franchise to achieve such a feat. However, this leadership change has stirred controversy, with fans expressing dissatisfaction and some perceiving it as disrespectful towards Rohit Sharma.
While many initially celebrated the news of Pandya’s injury, the all-rounder remains hopeful about his recovery. The target is set for him to be fit and ready in time for the IPL 2024, where he will lead the Mumbai Indians, marking a significant chapter in his IPL journey and raising anticipation for the upcoming season. The situation continues to spark discussions among cricket enthusiasts about the dynamics of team leadership and player transitions in the world of T20 cricket.
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