T20 World Cup 2024: Hardik Pandya set to join squad in New York

Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians captain, is set to arrive in New York on Sunday afternoon Eastern Time. Pandya, who has been facing heavy criticism for his leadership and personal performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been vacationing abroad since the end of his team’s campaign. Sources close to him confirm that he is on his way to join the Indian team.

The Indian cricket team departed from Mumbai for New York on Saturday night, but Pandya did not join them as he was still overseas. After a tough IPL season, both personally and professionally, Pandya needed some time away. Despite his recent struggles, he will be back in time for the first practice session in New York. Pandya, the vice-captain under Rohit Sharma, is preparing for the T20 World Cup, which will take place in the US and West Indies from June 1-29.

During the IPL, Pandya's performance was underwhelming, and his leadership was questioned as Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the table. MI coach Mark Boucher had hoped the experience would be a learning opportunity for Pandya.

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"A lot of the stuff that he's going through is, personally, maybe a little uncalled for. It'll certainly be a learning curve for Hardik as his growth in leadership. While times are tough now, a couple of things will pass and it'll make him a tougher leader and it'll certainly grow him in the role as well," Boucher told press.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Indian team, except for a few players, took the flight on May 25. Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan, who played Qualifier Two of the IPL, along with Rinku Singh, who is playing in the IPL final, will join the team later. Additionally, Virat Kohli has received permission to join the squad late.