Mumbai Indians recently appointed captain, Hardik Pandya, is getting ready to make a comeback in the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
Taking charge of Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL 2024, Hardik Pandya faces a challenging task. Despite showcasing his leadership skills with Gujarat Titans, leading them to an IPL trophy and securing a runner-up finish in the following season, replacing the highly successful captain Rohit Sharma won’t be a walk in the park.
During an episode of the Star Sports show, ‘Star Nahi Far,’ Hardik engaged with the audience in a quiz about his stats with MI. To his surprise, when someone suggested that he had notched up 10 half-centuries in the tournament, Hardik exclaimed, “I have that many? Wow.”
However, when quizzed about his favorite half-century, Hardik’s response was unexpected. Despite various audience suggestions, including his memorable 21-ball 60-run knock against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020, he rejected them all.
Hardik emphasized, “I don’t like the innings where we lost. I don’t believe in 50s or 100s. Stats are just numbers; it’s a waste of time.”
Hardik’s recent statement has ignited conversations in the cricketing circles, particularly in the wake of recent developments surrounding player contracts. With Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer being excluded from the BCCI central contract for not participating in domestic cricket, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan emphasized the importance of ensuring equal treatment for all players.
The upcoming IPL 2024 holds immense significance for Hardik as he gears up to return to the field after a long break due to his injury during the ODI World Cup. With only three months left until the ICC T20 World Cup, much of the spotlight will be on him.
Hardik Pandya stands as a reliable all-rounder in India’s middle order, and his performance in the IPL will serve as a crucial practice run before the major tournament. He must deliver his best on the field, given the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders.
