Hardik Pandya returns: Mumbai Indians captain performed just days before the commencement of the 2024 IPL season

Hardik Pandya played competitive cricket at the DY Patil Stadium for the first time in nearly four months. He has been working his way back to full fitness since suffering an ankle injury during India's 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh in October of last year.

Hardik Pandya returned to competitive cricket for the first time in nearly four months, taking part in the DY Patil Cup in Navi Mumbai. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the tournament, and he had to miss the following series against Australia at home, South Africa away, and Afghanistan in India. It meant that, if he didn’t get hurt, Pandya would have to play the T20 World Cup later this year after not playing T20Is for India since the 2023 World Cup. He is anticipated to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the newly chosen captain of the Mumbai Indians, who have won the competition five times.

Pandya made his comeback on Monday, representing Reliance 1 in the DY Patil T20 Cup in Navi Mumbai. Opening the bowling, he secured two wickets for 22 runs in three overs. Later, batting at number 10, Pandya remained not out on 3 off four balls, helping his team clinch a tense victory alongside Piyush Chawla. Reliance 1 defeated Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited by two wickets, with Pandya’s notable scalp being India T20 international Rahul Tripathi.

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Over the past month, Pandya has been undergoing training in Baroda, adhering to a structured return-to-fitness plan outlined by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). During this time, he participated in practice matches at the NCA alongside Rishabh Pant, who is also on the path to recovery following severe injuries sustained in a car accident back in December 2022.

Pandya’s comeback to competitive cricket has been eagerly anticipated, especially considering his significant role as the leader of India’s T20 side for a major part of the previous year. His return was poised to make him a strong contender for the captaincy in the upcoming World Cup had it not been for his injury setback. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has formally announced Rohit Sharma as the captain and Pandya as his deputy for this prestigious tournament.

During his training period in Baroda and participation in practice matches at the NCA, Pandya has been diligently working to regain his form and fitness. This preparation is crucial not only for his personal career trajectory but also for bolstering India’s prospects in international cricket, particularly in the highly anticipated World Cup event.

The announcement of Pandya as the deputy captain under Rohit Sharma underscores the faith placed in his leadership abilities and highlights his integral role within the team structure. As Pandya returns to the field, there is widespread anticipation among fans and pundits alike regarding his performance and the impact he will bring to the Indian team’s dynamics, both on and off the field.