NEW DELHI: Returning to Mumbai Indians, star all-rounder
Hardik Pandya
pledged on Friday to deliver a brand of cricket that will be unforgettable as he leads the five-time champions in this IPL season.
Pandya, who was traded by MI from Gujarat Titans before the upcoming season, made his IPL debut with MI in 2015 and clinched four titles with the franchise before joining GT in 2022.
Under his leadership, GT secured a title win in the same season.
"The feeling of wearing this colour is very special for me. Journey started here, coming back home and playing is always going to be special," said Pandya, who replaces
Rohit Sharma
as captain, in a video posted by the franchise on social media.
"We will make sure we will play a brand of cricket which all will be proud of and at the same point of time it's going to be a ride no one will forget."
MI head coach
Mark Boucher
extended a warm welcome back to Pandya, expressing full confidence in his abilities to excel.
"He (Pandya) certainly knows the changing room better than what I do. It's sort of homecoming for couple of people.
"He has fitted in really well and is excited for the season. We look forward to having him back and winning some games for Mumbai Indians again," told Boucher in another MI video.
"At the start of each season, everyone is very excited. There's a couple of new faces around, so there's a little bit of nerves as well. We would like building up to the start of the season."
MI will open their IPL campaign against GT in Ahmedabad on March 24.
(With inputs from PTI)
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