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Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have been two of the most-followed players cricket fans in the build up to the IPL 2024.
There has been drama surrounding their reunion, especially since Pandya took over captaincy from Sharma at the Mumbai franchise. It seemed to spark a divide among the Mumbai fans, who were backing Sharma, who has led the team to multiple titles. The arrival of Pandya also led to controversies and cryptic tweets, from members within the Mumbai Indians squad.
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Pandya had started his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians but was signed on the Gujarat Titans when they entered the League two years ago. GT won the league on their debut in 2022 and finished runners up on 2023. In a surprise move, Mumbai signed on Pandya from GT in an all-cash deal and handed over the reigns to the all-rounder.
The Mumbai Indians management, has successfully shunned away, all the questions related to Sharma, and Pandya’s departure from Gujarat Titans.
Ahead of the 2024 season, Sharma, who led India to a 4-1 over England in Tests, missed out on Mumbai Indians’ team-bonding trip to Alibaug.
WATCH: Rohit Sharma shares a moment with new MI captain Hardik Pandya
The Mumbai Indians posted from their official account on X, the first contact between Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma, in the training session on Wednesday.
The duo shared a light-hearted moment, as they hugged each other on the field.
Sharma served Mumbai Indians as their captain for over a decade. All five IPL titles that Mumbai Indians have managed to win, have come under Sharma’s captaincy. However, MI are entering a new era and are hopeful of success under their new leader, Hardik Pandya.
🎉 That moment everyone waited for!
4️⃣5️⃣🫂3️⃣3️⃣#RohitSharma #HardikPandya #MumbaiIndians #IPL #IPL2024 #BharatArmy pic.twitter.com/CYKILK6NNt
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) March 20, 2024
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When will Mumbai Indians play their first match of IPL 2024?
Mumbai Indians, under Hardik Pandya, will play their first match of IPL 2024, away from home. The five-time champions will face the Gujarat Titans, at Pandya’s previous home – Narendra Modi Stadium.
The match is scheduled to be played on Sunday, March 24, 2024. The proceedings will kickstart at 20:00 hours (IST).