If you're a Mumbai Indians fan, it won't be a surprise to see the five-time IPL champions make a slow start to their 2024 campaign. Like a student who gets into his subject just a day before the exam, MI have made it a trend to make up for lost time and go on to even win the title comprehensively. However, the mood in the Mumbai camp hasn't been the best this season.
Hardik Pandya's time as captain was supposed to usher in a new era for the franchise. In his two-year tenure as Gujarat Titans skipper, the all-rounder won the first two matches of the campaigns and this was something MI hoped for. Unfortunately, they find themselves at the bottom of the points table with big questions being asked about Hardik's captaincy.
This will be put to the test in front of a vocal Wankhede crowd, who would be keenly invested in each decision made by the all-rounder on the day with most of the support going to their hometown man, Rohit Sharma.
Hardik will also have his work cut out against a Rajasthan Royals side, who are unbeaten and look to be one of the contenders this season. With some Riyan Parag 2.0 energy infused into their side, RR will be looking to make it 3 out of 3 and go to the top of the table.
