Hardik was pulled up for maintaining a slow over-rate in Mumbai’s last league-stage game of IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Since that was his third offense of the season, Hardik was given a one-match suspension for his next IPL game, along with an INR 30 lakh fine. That leaves Mumbai without both Hardik and an injured Jasprit Bumrah for their opening encounter on Sunday against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai.
“That is out of my control. Last year what occurred is part of the sport. We bowled the last over 1.5 or 2 minutes late. At that point I didn’t know the consequences,” Hardik said. “It is unfortunate but the rules say it. I will have to go with the process. Next season, if they continue or not continue [with this rule], I think that is on the higher authorities. They can definitely see what best can be done.”
“Surya, obviously, leads India as well. When I’m not there, he is the ideal choice in this format.”
Hardik will be available for Mumbai’s second game, also away, in Ahmedabad against Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 29. Mumbai’s first home match is two days later, when they host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31. They then play two matches in first week of April: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on April 4 and at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7.
more to follow…