NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Mumbai Indians' former captain Rohit Sharma showcased his strokeplay during a rigorous nets session at the Wankhede Stadium.
The five-time champions are set to kick off their campaign against the Gujarat Titans on March 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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MI's official social media account provided a sneak peek into Rohit's aggressive batting approach during the net practice sessions.
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Hardik Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans in the past two seasons, is back with Mumbai Indians and has replaced Rohit as the team's captain for the 2024 edition. Rohit led Mumbai to five IPL titles during his captaincy stint.
Pandya on Monday said his predecessor and senior-pro Rohit will continue to be a guiding force for him.
1/7:Players to win IPL title in debut season as captain
Agencies
2/7:Hardik Pandya - 2022
<p>Hardik Pandya assumed captaincy of Gujarat Titans, leading them to clinch the IPL trophy in their debut season in 2022.<br /></p>Agencies
3/7:Hardik Pandya
<p>Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to consecutive finals in 2022 and 2023 before returning to Mumbai Indians as their new captain.<br /></p>Agencies
4/7:Rohit Sharma - 2013
<p>In 2013, Rohit Sharma became the captain of Mumbai Indians, now boasting the joint most IPL titles. His tenure ended before the 2024 season began.</p>Agencies
5/7:Rohit Sharma
<p>As a captain he has won five IPL trophies ( 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020)</p>Agencies
6/7:Shane Warne - 2008
<p>From 2008 to 2011, Shane Warne led in 55 matches, winning 30, losing 24, with one ending in no result. He notably guided Rajasthan Royals to victory in the inaugural IPL edition in 2008.<br /></p>Agencies
7/7:Shane Warne
<p>Shane Warne maintained an economy of 7.27 while claiming 57 wickets throughout four IPL seasons.<br /></p>Agencies"It will not be any different, he will always be there to help me. This team, what it has achieved, it has achieved under him and I just have to carry forward that. He is going to have his hand on my shoulders," said Pandya.
"We respect fans but we focus on the sport and what is required. I focus on the controllables. Fans have every right and I respect their opinion," he replied when asked about the fans' outrage at Rohit's removal.
Pandya will be making his comeback to top-level cricket with the IPL, having undergone a lengthy rehabilitation for the ankle injury he suffered during the ODI World Cup at home in October.
