Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya vowed to showcase a brand of cricket that will leave a lasting impression as he takes charge of the five-time champions in the upcoming IPL 2024.

Pandya, who was traded by the Mumbai Indians (MI) from the Gujarat Titans ahead of the upcoming IPL 2024, started his career with MI back in 2015 and went on to become a household name in the world of cricket. However, he was released in 2022, and he joined the Gujarat Titans (GT), leading the new franchise to an IPL title in the same year and then the final last year.

Hardik Pandya said in a video posted on X by MI: “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.”

The MI skipper added, “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.”

Meanwhile, MI head coach Mark Boucher expressed full confidence in Pandya’s abilities to excel as captain in the upcoming IPL 2024, starting on March 22.

Boucher said in another video, “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.”

He signed off by saying, “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.”

Notably, MI will open their IPL 2024 campaign against GT in Ahmedabad on March 24.

(With PTI Inputs)