• Hardik Pandya warmly hugged Rohit Sharma during Mumbai Indians' practice session for the first game of IPL 2024.

  • MI will kick off campaign on March 24 against Gujarat Titans.

IPL 2024 [WATCH]: Amid rumours of rift, Hardik Pandya warmly hugs Rohit Sharma during MI’s practice session
Hardik Pandya hugs Rohit Sharma (PC: X)

Mumbai Indians (MI) are buzzing with excitement as they prepare for their opening game of IPL 2024 against Gujarat Titans (GT). This match holds special significance for newly-appointed captain Hardik Pandya, who has returned to MI after leading GT to victory in 2023.

A heartfelt reunion and captaincy debut

Social media went into a frenzy after MI shared a clip on their official social media handle showcasing a heartwarming hug between Hardik and his predecessor, Rohit Sharma, during a practice session huddle. This display of camaraderie aims to quell any speculation about tension between the two star players following Rohit’s removal from the captaincy.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: IPL 2024 – Mumbai Indians (MI) announces replacement for Sri Lanka pacer Dilshan Madushanka

A match filled with intrigue

MI’s opening encounter on  Sunday (March 24 )at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium promises to be a thrilling clash. Mumbai seeks to avoid a repeat of their disappointing 2023 season, while Gujarat aims to maintain their position as one of the IPL’s strongest teams. Both sides possess formidable talent, making for a tightly contested match.

Focus on leadership and camaraderie

All eyes will be on Hardik’s leadership style and how he navigates the season alongside Rohit. Fans are eager to see if their on-field chemistry translates into success for MI.

A fresh start after individual victories

Hardik’s recent comeback in the DY Patil tournament follows a successful recovery period at the NCA, while Rohit just led Team India to a dominant Test series win over England. Both players are in top form, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming IPL season.

Also READ: IPL 2024 – Gujarat Titans find replacement for injured Mohammed Shami; Matthew Wade to miss the initial games

While speculation about the captaincy change was inevitable, the hug between Hardik and Rohit suggests a unified front. The spotlight will undoubtedly be on them as they spearhead MI’s quest for IPL glory in 2024.

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