The Mumbai Indians had a struggling IPL 2024 season. Apart from the team's poor performance, skipper Hardik Pandya had been strongly criticized by fans, who taunted him throughout the season. But with his key all-round contributions in India's T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy wins, cricket experts are of the opinion that resentment against him from the fans has worn off. Mumbai Indians' coach Mahela Jayawardene shared the same view.
Pandya was out of the first game of the new season because of a slow over-rate penalty from the previous year. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav captained the team against Chennai Super Kings. Pandya is now returning to play against his old franchise, Gujarat Titans, and deliver an electrifying encounter.
Jayawardene on Hardik Pandya's Comeback
"Such responses are normal in cricket. Fans always show emotions for their favorite cricketers. But we have crossed that stage. Hardik is known for his love for the game, and people should value his contribution for the last year. He has taken India to great wins. I don't think he will be teased like the previous season. Rather, I think fans should enjoy his play," Jayawardene said.
Update on the Comeback of Jasprit Bumrah
"The Mumbai Indians team is looking forward to the season. We are watching Jasprit Bumrah's comeback closely, but there is no definite comeback date yet. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) has not given us a time frame, though he is recovering well. We are waiting patiently for more updates," Jayawardene clarified.
Bumrah injured his back during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and has been recuperating at the BCCI Centre of Excellence since then. Reports indicate that he could join the Mumbai Indians team next week.
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