IPL 2024 battle between MI and GT is expected to heat up following Hardik Pandya's remark that he "returned home after two years

 IPL 2024 battle between MI and GT is expected to heat up following Hardik Pandya's remark that he "returned home after two years."

In the opening IPL 2024 match, Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians will take against the Gujarat Titans, the reigning champions.

 Pandya left GT to return to MI before the new season.

Although he was born in Gujarat, Mumbai seems to have adopted him.

 The Gujarat Titans (GT), where Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya spent two seasons playing, is certain that he has finally come home.

 As a rising all-arounder in T20 cricket, Pandya experienced early Indian Premier League (IPL) success with the Mumbai Indians (MI).

Between 2015 and 2021, the top all-rounder was a member of Mumbai's championship team four times.

 Before the mini-auction in Dubai, Pandya completed his homecoming for the IPL 2024 by re-joining the Mumbai Indians in an all-cash agreement with Gujarat Titans. 

Hardik took over from the seasoned Rohit Sharma as Mumbai's captain for the next campaign.

 The former GT captain served as Rohit's deputy at the ICC World Cup in 2023.

Mumbai Paltan, led by Hardik, will play GT in their IPL 2024 opener.

Pandya's campaign at the ICC event was cut short by an ankle injury last year. 

A return to fitness Pandya just made his long-awaited comeback to competitive cricket due to an injury.

 Before making his captaincy debut at MI, Pandya said in an interview with Star Sports that he had gone back home two years earlier.

 Against March 24, Hardik and company take against GT in their IPL 2024 opener. 

"I'm incredibly appreciative of the love and support that fans have shown me.

 It's an immeasurable blessing," Hardik remarked.

Hardik's homecoming comment to heighten rivalry between GT and MI

"Going back to Mumbai Indians is like going back to the beginning.

" Since I moved to Mumbai as a young man from Baroda, this city has helped me grow by teaching me resilience and humility. 

The affection and wisdom of the city have greatly influenced me and helped me become the cricket player I am today. 

After two years away, I have come home because Mumbai always pushes you to be better," continued Hardik, who led the Gujarat Titans to IPL victory in 2022.

How Mumbai completed the IPL 2024 Hardik agreement

After Cameron Green was moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for INR 17.5 crore, the Mumbai Indians had to part ways with the Australian all-rounder in order to acquire Hardik at the Wankhede Stadium. 

When Hardik signed a contract worth INR 10 lakh with the Mumbai Indians in 2015, he became a rookie in the IPL. Mumbai freed the former GT captain in advance of the major auction.

 After departing Mumbai, Hardik led GT to consecutive IPL finals.

Pandya's key moment in the IPL

"Recalling the 2015 IPL, coming from Baroda, it was a transformative experience for me.

 That was a crucial year for my work. 

My experience as a Mumbai Indians representative among seasoned players was essential.

 Your life changes when you get the opportunity to participate on such a large platform with such well-established athletes.

 I had the good fortune to be able to contribute significantly more to the knockout games. 

It was unbelievable to win two "Man of the Match" trophies in pivotal knockout matches.

 The MI captain said, "It was the start of an incredible journey for me, and it's a chapter I'll always cherish. 

Pandya's pivotal moment in the IPL."