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[Saba Sports News] Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 has been a major talking point in the cricketing world. This move, which brought the celebrated all-rounder back to the team where he started his IPL career in 2015, was met with surprise and speculation. The intrigue intensified when Mumbai Indians announced Pandya as the new captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma who led for 11 seasons.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed his astonishment at Pandya’s decision, especially given his successful tenure with Gujarat Titans. Under Pandya’s captaincy, GT clinched the IPL title in their debut season and were runners-up the following year. Gavaskar noted that Pandya’s move raises questions that only he can answer, suggesting it might be tied to his growing prominence in cricket.
Gavaskar highlighted the rumors that had been circulating about Pandya’s possible move back to Mumbai Indians. “When a successful captain wants to leave a successful franchise, the reasons are often not apparent to fans,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for The Mid-Day. He pointed out Pandya’s journey from being a raw talent picked by Mumbai Indians to becoming a global cricketing icon.
With Pandya’s unofficial role as India’s T20I captain and his new position at MI, it quells speculation about Rohit Sharma’s future leadership roles. Reports suggest Pandya made captaincy a condition for his return to MI. This decision came at a time when the franchise, despite being a five-time champion, hasn’t won a title in three seasons.
Gavaskar also remarked on Pandya’s emotional connection with Mumbai Indians, likening it to the sentiment of successful Indians overseas who choose to return home. Pandya has openly expressed his affinity for MI, indicating the strong familial environment within the franchise. This factor, combined with his professional aspirations, likely influenced his decision to return and lead Mumbai Indians.
“There’s plenty of speculation still going on as to why he wanted to leave and go back to where he had started, but then, aren’t there so many instances of very successful Indians overseas who have preferred to give all that up and come back home? Pandya has never made a secret of the fact that he considers Mumbai Indians as his home. It tells you of the wonderful family atmosphere that the Mumbai Indians have created where even those who have left have nothing but good things to say about the franchise,” added Gavaskar.