India, March 19 -- For Mumbai Indians, 2024 season was the one to forget. The side dealt with a major controversy before even the first ball of bowled in the season after it surprisingly appointed Hardik Pandya as captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma. The move sparked outrage among MI supporters, and the team never recovered from the off-field storm, finishing rock-bottom with just four wins in 14 matches - one of their worst campaigns in history.

Adding to the misery, Hardik found himself at the receiving end of relentless boos from Mumbai's own faithful at the Wankhede, a reflection of their discontent over Rohit's abrupt removal. But since that forgettable IPL season, Hardik's fortunes have taken a dramatic turn for the better.

The all-r...