Speculations are rife that Mumbai Indians' captain, Hardik Pandya, may sit out the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to an ankle injury, according to media reports circulating on Saturday. This development comes in the wake of Hardik's transfer from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL players' auction. Initially included in Gujarat Titans' retention list, he was later traded to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash deal. Media sources confirm that Hardik will be absent from the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, with uncertainty surrounding his involvement in the next IPL season. Hardik has been on the sidelines since sustaining an ankle injury during a World Cup match against Bangladesh in Pune.

Following his move from Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians announced Hardik Pandya as the leader for the upcoming IPL season, taking over the reins from long-serving captain Rohit Sharma. Pandya, who had previously played seven seasons for Mumbai, was released before the 2022 season. After joining Gujarat Titans, he steered the team to consecutive IPL finals, clinching the trophy in their debut season. Hardik's absence was notable in the recently concluded white-ball leg of the South Africa tour and the T20I series against Australia. In his stead, Suryakumar led India to a 4-1 series victory over Australia, while the T20I series concluded in a draw.