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Hardik Pandya (Source-Twitter)
Indian cricket fans were dealt a huge blow when it came to light that Hardik Pandya is set for a lengthier injury lay-off. It was confirmed on Wednesday that the Indian all-rounder is set to be ruled out of the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
It is a huge blow for India with 2024 set to witness the T20 World Cup being played. Mumbai Indians fans can heave a sigh of relief though. It has come to light that Hardik Pandya will be fit in time for the IPL 2024 season which is likely to start on 22nd March.
The five-time IPL winners had paid huge amounts of money to get their former player back from Gujarat Titans. Since his return to the franchise, Hardik Pandya has been named the captain of the side. This move hasn’t gone down well with the majority of the Mumbai Indians fans who have opposed the move.
IPL 2024 return confirmed for Hardik Pandya?
Indian all-rounder and newly appointed Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya will not be playing the T20I series in January. Team India is set to host Afghanistan for a short series which begins on the 11th of January.
Suryakumar Yadav was the Indian captain for the series against Australia and South Africa. The 33-year-old is also injured and is also facing a lay-off as he tries to get back from his ankle injury.
Hardik Pandya had injured himself while bowling during the ODI World Cup 2023 game in Pune against Bangladesh. It was initially believed that the 30-year-old would be out for a few games. India’s fears came true when it was revealed that Hardik Pandya was set to be out for a longer period.
If the reports are to be believed then Hardik Pandya will make his comeback during the IPL 2024 season. After leading the Gujarat Titans to a title win in 2022, Hardik Pandya is looking to replicate the same feat with the men in blue and gold.
With Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav ruled out, it will be interesting to see who leads the side. Rohit Sharma is rumoured to be the best candidate as there is a huge clamour from fans to have the 36-year-old batter back at the helm.