Former South African skipper AB de Villiers feels Hardik Pandya is going to play a huge role for Mumbai Indians as an all-rounder. Pandya moved back to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans in an all-cash trade deal.

Pandya led Gujarat Titans to glory in IPL 2022 and also led the franchise to the final of the tournament in the previous season. The all-rounder was able to lead from the front and he would look to replicate the same show for MI.

AB feels it will be imperative for Pandya to deliver with both bat and ball for Mumbai Indians. Pandya will return to action after he was ruled out of the ODI World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury.

“Hardik Pandya – they needed him to come back; otherwise, the balance just didn’t look as strong. I think Hardik is going to play a huge role. Hopefully, he will be able to hold the ball in hand and be the all-rounder that Mumbai Indians need him to be,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

On the other hand, AB de Villiers showered praise on Jasprit Bumrah. The gun fast bowler will also make his comeback in the IPL after missing the previous season due to a back injury and he recently scalped 19 wickets in four Test matches against England.

“I am looking forward to watch him bowl. We’ve missed him in the IPL, now he’s back in full flight. We’ve watched him perform for India in the Test matches, he was simply outstanding. When the heat is on, you want Jasprit Bumrah in your team. He comes through for you 9/10 times, he makes it work, he gets the big wickets,” de Villiers said.

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Gujarat Titans at their home ground of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 24.