Hardik Pandya’s journey as the captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 took an unexpected turn as he faced a ban from the next season’s first match, accompanied by a hefty fine. The decision came as a consequence of a slow over rate during MI’s match against Lucknow Super Giants.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) delivered the verdict, citing the slow over rate during the encounter at Wankhede Stadium. This ban translates into a significant setback for Pandya and Mumbai Indians, who will need to nominate a different leader for their first match of the upcoming season.
This isn’t the first instance of a player facing such repercussions in IPL 2024. Rishabh Pant, the captain of Delhi Capitals, had also been suspended earlier for a similar offense. For Pandya, this marks his third over rate offense this year, resulting in a fine of INR 30 lakhs and a suspension from the next match.
Pandya’s performance in the recently concluded season has been far from satisfactory. Despite his contributions with both bat and ball, his leadership failed to inspire the team, leading to a dismal performance by Mumbai Indians. His individual statistics reflect a tough season, with low averages and a concerning economy rate.
Reflecting on the season, Pandya acknowledged the challenges faced by the team and emphasized the need for improvement. Mumbai Indians, as a unit, struggled to maintain consistency and quality cricket throughout the season, leading to their underwhelming performance.
Looking ahead, Pandya sees these setbacks as learning opportunities, vowing to come back stronger in future seasons. The ban serves as a reminder of the importance of discipline and adherence to the league’s regulations.