IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya Replaces Rohit Sharma As Mumbai Indians Captain

Mumbai Indians on Friday announced Hardik Pandya as the captain of the team for IPL 2024. Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans last month, will replace Rohit Sharma.

Hardik Pandya spent two years with GT, spearheading their campaign with aplomb. In their debut season in 2022, Hardik ensured a fairytale start, with the team lifting the coveted Indian Premiere League trophy, while they finished runners-up in their second season after a last-ball defeat in a thrilling final earlier this year.

Before joining Gujarat, Hardik Pandya was a part of MI from 2015 to 2021. He played 92 matches during the period.

Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles since 2013.

“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," Mahela Jayawardene, Global Head of Performance, Mumbai Indians said in a statement.

"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," he added.

Mumbai Indians, who have one of the most systematic team building process, have roped in Pandya with a long term plan in mind as there will be a mega auction in 2025 and every franchise will try to build a new team with a young core, according to a report in news agency PTI.

On Hardik Pandya's return to MI, Nita Ambani had earlier said, "We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It’s a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indians family! From being a young scouted talent of Mumbai Indians to now being a team India star, Hardik has come a long way and we’re excited for what the future holds for him and Mumbai Indians!”

"Feels good to be back," Hardik said in a post on X on November 27.