Hardik Pandya returned to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the first time since completing a high-profile trade from Gujarat Titans (GT) to Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2024.

Soon after the trade in November last year, Hardik replaced Rohit Sharma as the MI skipper and the game against GT on Sunday (March 24) was his first at the helm of the five-time champions.

In his first assignment as MI captain, Hardik Pandya hogged the headlines for multiple reasons. The all-rounder was booed heavily by the Ahmedabad crowd at the toss and when he opened the bowling proceedings for his side.

In the final over of GT’s innings, Hardik once again became the talk of the town as he instructed his predecessor Rohit to patrol the boundary.

At that moment, one of the Hindi commentators was heard saying on-air, “Rohit, ab Hardik kaptaan hain aapko jaana padega peeche” which translates to, “Rohit, Hardik is the leader of the pack now and you have to follow the instructions”.

Here’s the video:

Coming to the match, MI rode on Jasprit Bumrah’s (3/14 in 4 overs) exceptional bowling performance to restrict GT to 168/6 in 20 overs. Sai Sudharsan was the top scorer for GT with 45 off 39 balls.