The brand-new Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya’s story has taken a new turn. It is now being reported that his ankle ailment may prevent him from playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024.
The 30-year-old was moved from Gujarat Titans (GT) to Mumbai Indians (MI) last month. When the Gujarat Titans released their retention list, Hardik was initially kept on. But soon after, rumours that he was recently traded to MI began to circulate. The deal was verified by both franchise holders, MI and GT. This happened, one day after the retention list deadline passed.
A few days ago, the Mumbai Indians announced Pandya as their new skipper for the 2024 Indian Premier League season. He would be succeeding Rohit Sharma, who was serving as captain since 2013.
He is doubtful to fully recuperate from the injury he received in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Therefore, the all-rounder may not be ready for the next IPL season, based on a report in NDTV. The website claimed that they had received confirmation from sources.
Since he twisted his ankle trying to block the ball during follow-through in the ODI World Cup 2023 league match against Bangladesh, Pandya has been sidelined. In the four matches he participated in the tournament, he batted once and scored an undefeated eleven. Against Pakistan, he took five wickets with an average of 22.60.
“You have to make those decisions” : Mahela Jayawardene
The Mumbai Indians acquired Hardik Pandya from Gujarat and named him captain despite the injury shadow hanging over him. This move was met with disapproval by many MI and Rohit Sharma supporters.
The global head of cricket for the Mumbai Indians, Mahela Jayawardene, acknowledged that it was a difficult decision while discussing the momentous step. The former Sri Lankan batter told JioCinema that, “It was a tough decision. It was emotional, to be honest. It’s fair on the fans as well (to react). I think everyone is emotional and we have to respect that as well. But at the same time, as a franchise, you have to make those decisions.”
Fans react to rumours of Hardik Pandya being ruled out of IPL 2024:
Reason behind Hardik Pandya ruled out of IPL 2024 due to injury. #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/ib1eJBC7Ll
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) December 23, 2023
Hardik Pandya with Ambani's money amidst all these reports of him missing the IPL'2024…. Thalason for a reason??#HardikPandyapic.twitter.com/lf3mrPSHZL
— Hustler (@HustlerCSK) December 23, 2023
Rohit Sharma aims for his seventh trophy victory, while Hardik Pandya observes from a hospi*al bed. ??? #RohitSharma #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/bLBqN2y2lh
— THE NADDY? (@Nady_asim1) December 23, 2023
Rohit sharma right now #HardikPandyapic.twitter.com/b8vhZrFAog
— VICKY (@areevicky) December 23, 2023
Hardik Pandya almost ruled out of IPL 2024 due to injury!
Ambani to Hardik ?????#IPL2024 #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/xT3R5uFDzf— CHIRAG TALWAR (@Chiragtalwar23) December 23, 2023
Hardik Pandya is ruled out of IPL 2024. Rohit Sharma will lead Mumbai Indians.
Scenes right now: ?#HardikPandya #MumbaiIndians#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/kGTb9hzBGY— Radhika Chaudhary (@Radhika8057) December 23, 2023
As per reports, Hardik Pandya asked to report at NCA everyday but he skipped 5 days in a week. Later he went twice in next 2 days to complete his attendance only. Clearly disciplinary issues. He is most arrogant, egoistic and indiscipline player. #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/YOl9m2g9PO
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) December 23, 2023
This is Cinima ? #HardikPandyapic.twitter.com/K7JX0SwIoC
— Sudarshn. (@Imsudarshan__) December 23, 2023
Hardik pandya Doubtful for IPL 2024 ??. #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/Ffkbidc1NO
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) December 23, 2023
