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Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya opened up on their home gound Wankhede being a “challenging venue”.
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya at Wankhede (BCCI)
Star India all-rounder and Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya opened up on their home gound Wankhede being a “challenging venue” ahead of the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Hardik will lead out MI at the historic ground for for the second year and after playing crucial roles in India’s T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy triumphs.
“Playing in the IPL in Mumbai, particularly at Wankhede, can be intimidating due to the high-scoring nature of the pitch. We wanted bowlers with experience, pace, and the ability to generate swing and bounce,” Pandya was quoted as saying on JioHotstar’.
“I believe we have put together a well-balanced team, one that meets all our requirements from top to bottom. Now it’s about turning up and delivering on the field,” he added.
Mumbai Indians, under the leadership of Hardik, could only manage to win four out of 14 matches in IPL 2024 and with 8 points, finished at last (10th).
Hardik was retained by MI for INR 16.35 crore.
To all the youngsters who would new to the glitzy league, Pandya has just one message.
“…believe in yourself…the biggest challenge at this stage is self-doubt. Sometimes, players start questioning whether they belong at this level, and that doubt can take away from their skill set. Managing that mental aspect is crucial.
“In this game, there will be highs and lows. The key is to remain balanced, not just for one season but throughout their careers,” he said.
Pandya said all one needs is a little patience to navigate the tough times.
“In terms of skill set, they are far ahead of where we were at 21 or 22. Their talent and fearless approach are already there — it’s just about reinforcing their belief in themselves.”
MI will open their IPL campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on March 23.
(With inputs from Agencies)
