Unexpectedly during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 clash between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians i.e (GT v MI) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a furry intruder briefly stole the limelight. A dog made its debut on the cricket pitch, causing a momentary halt in the game as it dashed past players, including MI’s newly appointed skipper, Hardik Pandya.
The peculiar incident unfolded during the 15th over of the Titans’ batting innings when the dog ventured onto the field just as Pandya had completed delivering the first ball of the over. Surprisingly, the four-legged visitor made a second appearance during the 14.3 overs, adding a touch of unpredictability to the match.
Hardik Pandya, who recently switched sides from GT to MI in a notable INR 15 crore trade deal, finds himself in the captain’s seat for the Mumbai-based franchise. This move comes as a replacement for the esteemed Rohit Sharma, who steered MI to a remarkable five IPL trophies during his tenure. Pandya’s return to MI marks a significant chapter, having previously played for the franchise from 2015 to 2021.
Notably, Pandya’s leadership prowess was evident during his stint with GT, where he led the team to consecutive finals in the league’s initial seasons, clinching the coveted trophy in 2022. As skipper, Pandya boasts an impressive record, having secured victory in 22 out of 32 games under his captaincy.
The intrusion of the canine spectator added an amusing twist to an otherwise intense cricket showdown, captivating both fans and players alike. While the interruption may have momentarily diverted attention from the game, it served as a lighthearted reminder of the unpredictability that often accompanies live sports events.