Hardik Pandya taking over the reins of Mumbai Indians from Rohit Sharma is the biggest change in leadership at an Indian Premier League franchise, induced by the team, since Sourav Ganguly's time came to an end at Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010.

While Hardik returning to Mumbai Indians through a historic trade was a surprise in itself, the 5-time champions announcing him as captain led to mixed reactions from the fans of the franchise.

Hardik Pandya was not the most popular man in Mumbai after the change in captaincy as a large section of the Mumbai Indians fans were not entirely happy with Rohit Sharma, the India captain, taking a backseat, especially after the heroics in the ODI World Cup last year. Yes, Mumbai Indians have got the auction right after having struggled to get the combination right, over the last few years. They have assembled another power-packed unit capable of reaching the top four. However, a lot will depend on how the team dynamics pan out over the next 8 weeks. Mumbai Indians have been one of the most well-run franchises over the years and their trophy cabinet speaks for it. However, managing the superstars and their egos will be crucial to their chances and head coach Mark Boucher and newbie captain Hardik Pandya will have their tasks cut out. CAN HARDIK SHUN THE OUTSIDE NOISE? Eyebrows were raised when Hardik Pandya was appointed as the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the team's inaugural edition in the IPL. Hardik did not have any prior experience of leading a senior side, leave alone an IPL franchise. However, he surprised quite a few with his leadership, inspiring the Titans to title triumph in their debut. IPL 2024: Where to buy tickets for Mumbai Indians matches? However, managing a star-studded side like Mumbai Indians will be a true test of Hardik's character in IPL 2024. At Gujarat Titans, it was a completely different set-up as Hardik, with able support from Ashish Nehra, had to lead a team that was majorly dominated by budding talents. At the same time, it would be unwise to assume that Hardik Pandya will struggle as captain of one of the biggest franchises in the history of the league. Not long ago, Hardik was earmarked as the next India captain in white-ball formats. Speaking to the press for the first time since taking over as Mumbai Indians captain, Hardik gave a glimpse of the dynamics in the dressing room, saying that Rohit Sharma will be his go-to-man in terms of seeking tactical inputs. "It won't be awkward or anything different. It will be a nice experience. I have played all my career under his captaincy. I know he is going to have a hand on my shoulder always, throughout the season," Hardik said. Yet, head coach Mark Boucher ducking a few tough questions only adds intrigue to how the team dynamics will play out at Mumbai Indians in the new season. Hardik established a sensational working relationship with Ashish Nehra at Gujarat Titans and it will be interesting to see how he gels with Mark Boucher, who might be as hands-on as Nehra as the head coach of the Mumbai Indians. HOW DID MUMBAI INDIANS FARE AT THE AUCTION? Unlike the last two years, Mumbai Indians got it spot on at the auction. Before they went to the bidding table in Dubai, the 5-time champions completed two of their biggest moves - trade in Hardik Pandya and trade out Cameron Green, allowing themselves enough money in the bank to fix the remaining pieces of the jigsaw puzzle at the auction. Mumbai Indians also traded in dangerous West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd from Lucknow Super Giants. One of their most interesting additions is veteran Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. On spin-friendly pitches, Nabi can be a handful with his wily off-spin and his improved ability to consistently hit the big ones will come in handy for Mumbai Indians. They signed the services of a gun all-rounder in South Africa's Gerald Coetzee and roped in two young and exciting Sri Lankan fast-bowling talents in Dilshan Madushanka, who had a dream run during the ODI World Cup in India, and yorker specialist Nuwan Thushara, who reminds fans of Lasith Malinga, their bowling coach himself. However, South Africa's U19 World Cup star Kwena Mpahaka was roped in as a replacement. Also, in their squad this season is leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal, who brings in the wealth of domestic experience. Mumbai Indians Squad IPL 2024 Batters: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Nehal Wadhera, Dewald Brevis, Tim David, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Shivalik Sharma All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shams Mulani, Mohammad Nabi, Kumar Kartikeya, Arjun Tendulkar, Luke Wood, Romario ShepherdSuryak, Gerald Coetzee. Wicketkeepers: Ishan Kishan, Vishnu Vinod. Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, Shreyas Gopal, Piyush Chawla, Nuwan Thushara, Anshul Kamboj, Kwena Maphaka. Mumbai Indians: Player Availability and Team News Mumbai Indians are sweating over the availability of Suryakumar Yadav, who is yet to receive a clearance from the National Cricket Academy. Suryakumar Yadav suffered an ankle injury during a T20I series in which he captained India last year. He also underwent surgery for sports hernia earlier this year and has been recovering under the watchful eyes of the NCA medical team. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma seems to have recovered from back stiffness that ruled him out of the final day's play in the 5th Test against England in Dharamsala. Mumbai Indians lost two overseas pacers in Dilshan Madushanka and Jason Behrendorff, but they managed to sign replacement players for them. MI: KEY PLAYERS TO OUT FOR Rohit Sharma: Can Rohit do what MS Dhoni did with Rising Pune Super Giant in 2017? After losing captaincy, Dhoni contributed with the bat and looked at his best under Steve Smith. A proud cricketer, Rohit will be looking to unleash his full potential as an opening batter for Mumbai Indians at the top of the order without the added responsibility of leading the side. Ishan Kishan: All eyes will be on Ishan Kishan as the Mumbai Indians opener will be looking to prove a point to the BCCI and the national team selectors after having lost his central contract. With the T20 World Cup coming up, Ishan needs big runs if he is to stay in the race for a spot in the Indian squad. Tim David: Mumbai Indians needs the big Australian to fire in the middle-order. The availability of Hardik Pandya will give David the bushion that he missed last season. Expect some fireworks from the bat of David this season. Piyush Chawla: Mumbai Indians will be banking heavily on Piyush to get the job done with the ball and lead the inexperienced spin department. Yes, they have Shreyas Gopal, but Piyush's experience is unmatched. If Piyush can get going, Mumbai Indians will be unstoppable.

MI: Predicted Playing XIs in IPL 2024

Option 1: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Piyush Chawla, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, Nuwan Thushara. Option 2: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Nehal Wadera, Hardik Pandya, Tim David, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammad Nabi, Shreyas Gopal, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal.