WATCH: Hardik Pandya grinds hard on field ahead of much-awaited MI return in IPL 2024

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is on the road to recovery after suffering an ankle injury during India's World Cup campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pandya was injured while trying to stop the ball with his left foot in a league match against Bangladesh on October 19. He was ruled out of the tournament straight away and has since been rehabilitated and kept away from cricket actions.

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Meanwhile, the 30-year-old is eyeing a blockbuster return to competitive cricket through the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), which is expected to begin on March 23. Pandya will rejoin his former franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) as their captain. He was handed the reins of the Mumbai-based franchise last December, a move that did not go down well with their fans.

Rohit Sharma, who made them one of the most successful franchises in league history with five titles, was removed from the role. Big repercussions were visible on social media, with Pandya being heavily criticised by MI and Rohit fans. Still, everything seems not well within 'One Family', posing a tough challenge for the former Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper. 

However, Pandya is currently staying away from team matters but focusing on his personal development ahead of the 17th edition of the league. The Gujarat cricketer recently shared a short video of his training session on social media. He was seen stretching a bit and working on his fielding skills. He has been sharing similarly hard training sessions, indicating that he plans to leave no stone unturned in the crucial months ahead. 

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Watch the video below: 

Hardik Pandya is training hard for IPL 2024 and T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/plcQIzAvqT

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 20, 2024

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Hardik Pandya gets picked in all-time greatest IPL XI 

On the occasion of the first-ever IPL auction completing 16 years, leading sports broadcaster Star Sports has unveiled the cash-rich league's incredible all-time XI. More than 25 cricket experts from around the world selected a 15-member squad in which Hardik Pandya found a place. Speaking exclusively to Star Sports during the squad selection, Australia legend Matthew Hayden heaped praise on the all-rounder. 

"I don't want to waste, if there is such a thing where you're picking greats, an opportunity for an Indian talent instead of an overseas talent, so Hardik Pandya walks into my greatest eleven side for sure. I'm going to pick Jadeja as well, as I want that left arm option, and a great fielder, which Hardik is as well. So Hardik at this stage is my choice," Hayden.