Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was traded from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians in a high-profile deal, is set to return to action in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPl) 2024.
Pandya missed the 2023 World Cup after he had to leave the pitch in pain during India's third 2023 ODI World Cup clash against Bangladesh. In his very first over with the ball, Pandya twisted his ankle while trying to stop a boundary by Liton Das, which forced him to the sidelines for an indefinite period.
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The IPL will witness Pandya's debut as captain as Mumbai Indians face off against the Gujarat Titans at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. And before that the Indian international has revealed that he will be bowling in IPL.
What did Hardik Pandya say?
"This IPL, I will play as an all-rounder and finish as many games as possible and enjoy the position I have always loved. It was a freak injury and had nothing to do with my previous injuries. We tried to push too hard for a return during the World Cup. I have no issues with my body and intend to play all matches," he told reporters on Monday.
Earlier, he had revealed that he wanted to give everything to play for his country during the World Cup and despite the efforts it was just not meant to be for him.
"I told management that I will return after 5 days then I got injections done on my ankle in three places, I had to remove blood from my ankle, I wanted to give everything," Pandya told Star Sports.
"(But) Then recurrence came as I was pushing so it become 3 month injury, I wasn't able to walk still I was taking pain-killers for 10 days to push one final time as playing for my country is the biggest pride but I missed out," the 30-year-old recalled.
What next for Hardik Pandya?
Hardik Pandya will lead his 'new team', Mumbai Indians, for the first time in his career. Mumbai Indians are set to make their IPL 2024 debut in the match against Gujarat Titans. The 'Hardik Pandya Derby' will be staged at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
It will be a blockbuster Sunday on March 24. The proceedings will kickstart at 20:00 hours IST.
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