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[Saba Sports News] The 17th IPL season is set to start on March 22, featuring an opening match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. As the tournament draws near, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are among the title favorites. A recent viral clip shows Pandya, the new MI captain succeeding Rohit Sharma, participating in a traditional puja with head coach Mark Boucher, symbolizing his return to the franchise.
Pandya’s move back to Mumbai Indians, following a successful stint with Gujarat Titans, where he led them to a championship in 2022 and a final in 2023, was sealed through an all-cash transaction worth INR 15 crore. His leadership skills, honed with the Titans, will now be tested again with Mumbai, aiming to add to their five titles.
Mumbai Indians are scheduled to start their IPL 2024 campaign against Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans on March 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This match holds special significance for Pandya, facing his old team in his first match after rejoining Mumbai. Last season, Mumbai reached the knockout stages but were ousted by the Titans in Qualifier 2. This year, they’re looking to surpass their previous performance and clinch their sixth title.