New Delhi: Hardik Pandya on Friday was named the captain of Mumbai Indians for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, marking the conclusion of Rohit Sharma’s ten-year captaincy. During Rohit’s leadership, the team secured five IPL trophies. Pandya rejoined Mumbai Indians following a remarkable trade from Gujarat Titans, where he served as captain for the past two years and secured the title in 2022.
Commenting on this transition Mahela Jayawardene, Global Head of Performance, Mumbai Indians 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.”
“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.”
During his 31 outings for GT from 2022 to 2023, Pandya achieved an impressive record, scoring 833 runs at an average of 37.86 and a strike rate exceeding 133. He notched up six half-centuries, boasting a highest score of 87*. He also contributed 11 wickets to the team, with the best figures being 3/17.
Having played 92 matches for MI from 2015 to 2021, Pandya accumulated 1,476 runs at an average of 27.33 and an outstanding strike rate of over 153. His performance included four half-centuries, with a top score of 91, and he also claimed 42 wickets for the team, achieving a best bowling figure of 3/20.
Pandya has won five IPL trophies, four with MI (2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) and GT (2022).
(With ANI inputs)