AB de Villiers, the iconic former South African and Royal Challengers Bangalore batter, recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of Hardik Pandya returning to Mumbai Indians (MI) from Gujarat Titans. This speculation has sparked a debate about who should lead MI, with de Villiers suggesting that current skipper Rohit Sharma might pass the captaincy baton to Pandya.
In a discussion on his YouTube channel, de Villiers pointed out that Sharma, who is also at the helm of the Indian national team in Test and ODI formats, could benefit from Pandya taking over the leadership of Mumbai Indians. This change would potentially lessen Sharma's burden, allowing him to focus more on his national duties.
"I have a funny feeling Rohit is going to let him (Hardik) captain. Rohit carries a lot of pressure of captaining Team India. Maybe that is going to be the move," said De Villiers.
Hardik Pandya has already proven his mettle as a captain with Gujarat Titans, leading the franchise to victory in their very first IPL season and then to the finals in IPL 2023. His captaincy skills have been well recognized and applauded in the cricketing community.
Pandya's association with Mumbai Indians dates back to 2015 when he was signed as an uncapped player for Rs 10 lakhs. His journey with MI has been nothing short of remarkable, characterized by his explosive batting, effective bowling, and dynamic fielding. In his time with MI, Pandya quickly became a fan favorite, known for his ability to turn the tide of the game within a few balls.
During his seven-season stint with MI, Pandya amassed 1,476 runs from 92 matches, boasting an average of 27.33 and a striking rate often exceeding 150. His role as a finisher was crucial to MI’s success in winning the titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Additionally, his contributions with the ball were significant, capturing 42 wickets with his medium-pace bowling, further establishing him as a valuable all-rounder.
De Villiers emphasised that bringing Pandya back to MI would be a major boost for the team. Pandya's overall IPL statistics are impressive: scoring 2,309 runs at an average of 30.38 with 10 fifties and a highest score of 91, and a strike rate around 140. His prowess with the bat is matched by his effectiveness as a bowler, having taken 53 wickets in the league.
"It's a big news for Mumbai Indians. Hardik was a big player for Mumbai for many years. He loved playing at the Wankhede Stadium. He won the trophy with GT and then also went to the final of next season. He probably feels his time there is done," said De Villiers.
The potential of Pandya rejoining Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season has generated considerable excitement among fans. His leadership abilities, showcased through his success with Gujarat Titans, have established him as a capable and strategic captain, making the prospect of his return to MI a highly anticipated move in the cricketing world.
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