India beat South Africa by seven wickets on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in the T20 series after their bowlers skittled the tourists for 117, with Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh's performance setting up the platform for a dominant win for the hosts in Dharamsala.
At this moment, the Indian think tank is doing a tough balancing act of building the team around a new set of players without completely cutting ties with the old guard.
The five-time champions finished last in IPL 2024 with everything going wrong for them. This time, MI is focused on ensuring that everything goes right, and that their journey towards a sixth title is back on track from the beginning.
A seemingly unstoppable force in the shortest format, the current India squad has an aura of invincibility around it unlike the one that ended the cricketing powerhouse's long wait for an ICC title in Barbados 19 months ago.
As India start their T20 World Cup title defence in less than 72 hours, one is tempted to look at Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir's working relationship which has been fantastic, at least so going by the results -- a whopping 31 wins in 39 games with a winning percentage of 79.48.
Hardik Pandya upped his style quotient, courtesy celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim.
Kuldeep Yadav grabbed 3/18, while Axar Patel played a vital role getting 2/18 besides bowling 15 dot balls in the game to power India to an emphatic seven-wicket victory.
Hardik's post included a picture featuring Rohit, while Rohit's post did not feature Hardik. This seemingly minor detail has sent social media into a frenzy, with fans interpreting it as a sign of a deepening divide within the MI dressing room.
'If there's one thing you should know about this team, we never give up. We'll keep fighting, we'll keep going.'
India suffered an early setback in their World Cup contest against Bangladesh when all-rounder Hardik Pandya left the field after twisting his ankle while bowling his first over in Pune on Thursday.
Speaking exclusively to ESPNCricinfo, Hayden spoke of how it would affect the team's balance.
Kris Srikkanth said Jasprit Bumrah might be disappointed with Mumbai Indians getting back Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans.
A mouth-watering India-South Africa warm-up at the D Y Patil stadium did exactly that, igniting anticipation and hopes among fans.
Defending champions India have unveiled a well-rounded 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup
Natasa Stankovic shared an adorable photo with her son Agastya.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav dazzled with a vital half-century as defending champions India registered a scratchy 29-run win against the United States of America despite a stunning top-order collapse.
Spin great Harbhajan Singh said the selectors were right in appointing Shubman Gill as India's ODI captain last year, stating that the youngster is ready for "big challenges".
Following Kohli's gesture, the cheers replaced the boos for Pandya.
Hardik also posted a fun video of the brothers dancing with their wives Nataa Stankovi and Pankhuri Sharma.
Hardik Pandya was all smiles as he caught up with nephew Kavir -- his elder brother Krunal and sister-in-law Pankhuri's baby son born last month.
Tournament co-hosts India will be out to defend their Twenty20 World Cup title. The 10th edition of the 20-overs global showpiece event will run from February 7 to March 8.
Hardik Pandya dropped a dance video with Virat Kohli ahead of the first T20I game against Australia.
'He can bat, he can bowl, he can field. He has an X factor about him. I hope very well deep down within my heart that when he comes out on top, I'll sit back and I'll watch everyone sing his praises.'
The former Australia wicketkeeper with GT for two seasons as a player -- in 2022 and 2024 -- but not part of the IPL mega auction following his retirement from international cricket.
Former India pacer S Sreesanth on Friday backed Hardik Pandya's selection in the T20 World Cup squad, saying the all-rounder's presence alongside Virat Kohli will make for a "great combination" when chasing tricky totals.
After the game, Hardik searched for the little lady in the stands. When he spotted her, he said sorry once again and handed her an autographed match ball.
MI opener Ishan Kishan highlighted Indian fans' tendency to recognise the hard work of a cricketer, irrespective of their personal feelings towards one.
Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic just can't seem to get enough of each other!
Captains in IPL 2025 will not be banned for over-rate offences and instead will be docked demerit points.
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad termed his team's tour of India "a very successful one" and expressed hope that the two teams meet once again in the final of the next year's T20 World Cup.
Tournament co-hosts India will be out to defend their Twenty20 World Cup title in familiar home conditions next month.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav made optimal use of available resources in both departments as India did enough to beat a spirited Oman by 21 runs to end their league stage commitments in Asia Cup with a hat-trick of victories.
And Hardik celebrated his special day with his 'best friend' -- son Agastya.
Fans termed the captain as a 'credit stealer' and a 'selfish player'.
HP shares a closing bond with MS, whom he refers to as his 'brother', someone he turns to in times of adversity, turmoil and even to understand his own mind.
Pollard said highs and lows are part of the journey as an individual and he was happy seeing Pandya's progress.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his deputy Shubman Gill's indifferent form is a massive concern but the national selection committee is unlikely to make any shocking changes when it picks the 15-member squad for next year's T20 World Cup in Mumbai on Saturday.
On Sunday, in the crucible of Dubai, it all comes down to a single question: Who will seize their moment and become a hero for a nation?
Hardik Pandya is touted as a possible captaincy option for Mumbai Indians in the future.
Washington Sundar was recognised for his exceptional fielding performance during India's recent T20I series sweep against Bangladesh.
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