Hardik Pandya returns to action after injury break, leads Reliance 1 in DY Patil T20 Cup

Star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya returned to the playing field after a long hiatus of a little over 4 months. Notably, Pandya sustained an ankle injury while stretching himself awkwardly during his follow-through against Bangladesh at the Cricket World Cup 2023, and has been out of action since then. He led Reliance 1 at the ongoing DY Patil T20 Cup against BPCL, making his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket. 

Pandya is set to compete in the upcoming edition of the IPL as Mumbai Indians' skipper. Furthermore, Mumbai Indians’ Tilak Verma, Nehal Wadhera, and Piyush Chawla are also part of the Reliance playing XI, but Ishan Kishan was not named in the side. It was reported that Ishan Kishan could make an appearance in the tournament, but a new report emerged that stated that he would turn up for Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instead.

Also read: Ishan Kishan training with Hardik, Krunal in Baroda

Pandya to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024

With the anticipation for the upcoming edition of the IPL (Indian Premier League) building up, fans will be waiting to see their favourite players in action once again in the marquee tournament. One of the biggest favourites ahead of the new season would be the five-time champions Mumbai Indians. 

The joint-most successful side in IPL history, MI have been in the headlines in recent times as they underwent a captaincy change. Veteran player Rohit Sharma, lauded for leading Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, was substituted by Hardik upon the all-rounder's trade from Gujarat Titans.

Also read: IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya officially traded to Mumbai Indians

The all-rounder had a hugely successful tenure as Gujarat’s skipper, as the 30-year-old led the side to their maiden title in 2022 and the summit clash of the tournament in 2023, where they lost to Chennai Super Kings in the narrowest of ways possible. His repertoire as a leader attracted Mumbai’s interest, particularly the way he lead Gujarat all the way almost twice on the trot and come the 17th edition of the IPL, Pandya will be leading Mumbai Indians in the tournament in the place of Rohit Sharma.