Spinner Varun Chakravarthy justified his selection with a five-wicket haul and bowled India to a 44-run victory against New Zealand.
Hardik marked his homecoming with a puja inside the dressing room.
As the continental tournament kicks off on September 9 in Dubai, India will look to lean on this mix of proven winners and new leaders while keeping uncompromising fitness standards at the heart of their preparations.
Since he took over, head coach Gautam Gambhir has stressed on multi-skilled players across formats, especially those who can add batting depth.
Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya hit fifties to rally India in the rain-hit Asia Cup match in Pallekele on Saturday.
As India gear up for the T20 World Cup at home, the selectors have backed a squad built on impact, and versatility.
Senior batter Rohit Sharma missed out Mumbai Indians' match against Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League in Lucknow on Friday after he was hit on the knee during a nets session, according to captain Hardik Pandya.
Styris did not have any doubt over Pandya's talent but the Kiwi wanted him to infuse more consistency into his performances.
'Looking at their bowling line-up, they had a left-arm spinner and a leg spinner. I think Dube was perfect for that occasion in that 7-15 overs range.'
Hardik Pandya's return to Mumbai Indians has been a hot topic of discussion. After leading the Gujarat Titans for two years, Hardik is not only back in the Mumbai colours, but he's also set to take over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma.
'I'm feeling strong. I am feeling fit, and I am feeling ready to go,'
The Indian players enjoyed a day's break from their hectic preparations for the T20 World Cup.
Hardik Pandya said he is looking forward to emulate former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni by taking up more responsibility with the bat in white ball cricket.
Suryakumar offers a more dependable option. Despite being 33, his fitness record inspires confidence.
The Mumbai Indians star showed off a trendy pair of silky blue pyjamas as he enjoyed a relaxing evening at the team hotel in Chennai on Monday.
'We celebrated Valentine's Day on this island of love by renewing the vows we took three years ago.'
After Hardik Pandya's nonchalant six, DK exchanged a fist bump with his partner, before bowing to Hardik.
England hammered India by 10 wickets with Alex Hales and Jos Buttler striking commanding half-centuries.
>Last week, Hardik went on a dinner date with Natasa, who took to Instagram to share a picture in which the couple can be seen enjoying the meal.
The former India batter made a shocking disclosure that the boundary rope was pushed by the broadcasters for their on-ground show during the innings break, which indirectly benefitted the Indians.
Hardik Pandya comes up against his brother Krunal for the first time in the IPL!
Pathan also opined on problems around finishers and the team's pace bowling unit.
'The whole season kind of went wrong. We can pass this game as another one (that went wrong)'
'This team, what it has achieved, it has achieved under him and I just have to carry forward that. He is going to have his hand on my shoulders.'
Pandya recounted the beginning of his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey in 2015 when Mumbai Indians secured him for a modest Rs 10 lakh
Mystery spinner Varun Charkravarthy on Wednesday rose to the top spot in ICC's T20 International Bowlers' Rankings for the first time
ri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka smashed a belligerent century as Indian bowlers endured their worst day in the Asia Cup before Arshdeep Singh produced a brilliant 'Super Over' to win the game for his side in Dubai on Friday.
Mumbai Indians felt Hardik Pandya was one for the future in place of Rohit, who at 36, is nearing the end of his career.
Domestic veterans Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh could keep the team management interested going forward in Test cricket.
India pacer Harshit Rana says game time in the ongoing Delhi Premier League has served as ideal preparation for the Asia Cup, beginning on September 9.
Ahead of the mini-auction, scheduled to be held in Doha on December 26, the 10 franchises have released their list of retained and released players.
'India is much stronger in white ball than the red ball. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli... they know that these youngsters are pushing them.'
On Sunday, Goud repaid the faith shown in her with a telling spell of 3 for 20, that included three maidens, to derail Pakistan's chase of 247.
Gujarat Titans will receive Rs 15 crore from Mumbai Indians for the all-cash trade deal apart from a hefty undisclosed transfer fee.
Washington Sundar enhanced his reputation as a T20 hitter with India batting in top gear through the innings to comfortably chase down a target of 187 for a series levelling five-wicket win over Australia.
Former allrounder Irfan Pathan on Monday questioned Hardik Pandya's leadership skills, saying his inability to adapt to match situations and failure to come up with a proper plan has cost Mumbai Indians dearly so far in this IPL.
Abhishek Sharma was brutal and beautiful in equal measure during his scintillating 74 as India made a tricky chase look comfortable, winning an ill-tempered Super 4 contest of the Asia Cup against Pakistan by six wickets in Dubai on Sunday.
The 'Impact Player' in IPL might have restricted Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube's role but 'India's Shivam Dube' aspires to be a full-fledged all-rounder backed by head coach Gautam Gambhir and helped by bowling coach Morne Morkel.
At the mega auction, Mumbai Indians made some strategic buys, in a bid to build a strong team around their solid Indian core consisting of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jaspreet Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma.
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