The T20 World Cup is scheduled just a week after the conclusion of the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and with that in mind, many cricketers making comebacks following injury lay-offs, are planning to use the cash-rich league as a preparatory tournament ahead of the showpiece tournament in the West Indies and the US in June.

One among them is Mumbai Indians’ newly-appointed captain Hardik Pandya, who is back to full fitness after sustaining a freak injury back in October during a league match against Bangladesh in the ODI World Cup.

However, Hardik, who has featured in 92 IPL matches for MI between 2015 and 2021, before making a return to MI colours ahead of the 2024 edition, said he’s primarily focussed on giving his best for the Mumbai franchise, and the India call-up could be the reward based on the performance.

“I am a firm believer that you should be playing for the team that you are playing for. Everyone can have goals and targets of playing for the national team. But we should be honest and I will tell my boys to deliver our best for Mumbai Indians. In that way, if someone gets a call-up for the Indian team, I would be happy,” he said.

Back in the franchise where he started his journey almost a decade ago, Pandya is looking forward to working closely with his predecessor Rohit Sharma in the upcoming season of the IPL, and maintained that it won’t feel awkward for him to lead the India captain for the first time in his career.

Rohit, who had led the Mumbai Indians to IPL glory on all five occasions so far, was the captain of the side when Hardik made his debut in 2015 and went on to become one of the sought-after stars before being released ahead of the IPL 2022 auction. However, months before the 2024 season of the IPL, the franchise opted for a change in guard, and replaced Rohit with Hardik, after buying back the all-rounder from the Gujarat Titans for an all-cash deal.

Hardik had a successful two-year stint with the Titans, leading them to the title in their debut season in 2022, and ended as runners-up in 2023, and the Mumbai Indians justified their decision to trade Hardik back and elevate him to the captaincy role to remain “future ready.”

According to Mahela Jayawardene, Mumbai’s global head of performance, the change in leadership is a part of the ‘legacy building’ and ‘staying true’ to the MI philosophy of being ‘future-ready’.

On Monday, Hardik addressed the elephant in the room in his first ever appearance back in MI colours, and opened up about how Rohit would help him in the upcoming season.

“There won’t be any confusion. He is still the India captain. What this team has achieved was achieved under his belt. I am just carrying it forward. I have played all my cricket with MI with Rohit as captain, so I am sure he will always be around to help me out,” Hardik said during an interaction on Monday.

Hardik preferred to remain grounded when asked about the prospects of leading a star-studded side like the MI, saying, “I don’t take myself up in success, I don’t take myself down in failure. That’s my process and I think that has helped me a lot in my career.”

When asked if he has had a chat with Rohit yet, Hardik said, “Yes and no. Rohit has been travelling non-stop (with the Indian team). I will definitely catch up with him when he joins the squad.”

Hardik also gave a brief insight on how he wants to approach the season after being on the sidelines for close to four months due to the injury. “This IPL, I will play as an all-rounder and finish as many games as possible, enjoy the position I have always loved,” Hardik remarked.

“It was a freak injury and had nothing to do with my previous injuries. We tried to push too hard for a return during the World Cup. I have no issues with my body and intend to play all matches,” Hardik said on the injury.

Hardik also said that he is relishing his reunion with India teammate Jasprit Bumrah who will be spearheading the MI pace attack. “Jassi (Jasprit) has been our no. 1 bowler and he has been a champion cricketer. Last year, they did miss him. Excited to have him back full throttle and him guiding the youngsters in the camp,” he said.

Fitness of Suryakumar, Madushanka

Meanwhile, MI head coach Mark Boucher left it on the medical team to take a call on the fitness of star batter Suryakumar Yadav and new Sri Lankan pace recruit Dilshan Madushanka. “I will leave it to the excellent group of medical staff rather than micromanage,” the former South Africa wicketkeeper said.

Suryakumar has been out with a sports hernia since December and underwent a surgery in January. On the other hand, left-armer Madushanka suffered a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s tour to Bangladesh.

The Mumbai Indians will kickstart their IPL 2024 campaign against Hardik’s former side Gujarat Titans on March 24 in Ahmedabad.