Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya could miss the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to an ankle injury, according to sources revealed by NDTV. This comes after Hardik was traded to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans ahead of the IPL players’ auction. The players was initially named in the retention list by GT, but was traded to MI ahead of the auction as part of an all-cash deal. 

Sources close to BCCI have confirmed that Hardik will miss the upcoming T-20I series against Afghanistan, while his participation in the upcoming season of IPL remains a doubt.

Hardik has been out of action since injuring his ankle during a World Cup match against Bangladesh in Pune.

Soon after announcing Hardik's trade from GT, MI announced that the all-rounder will lead the franchise in the upcoming season of IPL, replacing long-serving captain Rohit Sharma.

Pandya had played seven seasons of IPL for Mumbai before being released prior to the 2022 season. 

After joining Gujarat Titans, Pandya led the side to back-to-back IPL finals, including earning them the trophy in their debut season.

Hardik missed the recently concluded white-ball leg of the South Africa tour, as well as the T-20I series against Australia. In his absence, Suryakumar led India to a 4-1 series win over Australia, while the T20I series ended in a draw.

If true, the latest development could be a huge blow for both Team India and MI.