IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians Players Enjoy Some Time Off With Some Intense Paintball Action - WATCH

Mumbai Indians have been undergoing pre-season training for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Wankhede Stadium. In a recent video shared by the franchise, members of the squad were spotted enjoying a day out in Mumbai. From the newly appointed captain Hardik Pandya to wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, several first-team stars were part of the group.

The five-time champions will kick off their campaign in the 17th edition of the T20 tournament with an away game against Gujarat Titans on March 23.

Before their opening game, the team was given a day off on Tuesday and the franchise arranged a ferry ride for the players. Many fans were present at the Mandwa Bandar which is situated on the west coast and known as one of the most popular weekend beach destinations in the city. Their bowling coach Lasith Malinga was also seen at the jetty as the Sri Lankan legend waved at the camera.

Foreign players like Tim David and Dewald Brevis looked excited while enjoying the majestic view of the Arabian Sea. Some members of the squad then engaged in an intense game of paintball, with the rest cheering their teammates from the sidelines. Sharing glimpses of the fun-filled outing, the Mumbai-based franchise wrote on X, “Travel Diaries via jetty & an intense game of paintball.”

After the video surfaced on the internet, many fans were quick to point out the absence of former captain Rohit Sharma. Rumours are rife about a potential rift between the franchise and Rohit, who has led Mumbai Indians to five titles. He has been replaced by Hardik Pandya this season. The all-rounder served as the captain of Gujarat Titans in the past two IPL seasons and won the title in his first year.

The veteran opener has already joined the pre-season camp at Wankhede. On Tuesday when the other players were enjoying a trip across the city, Mumbai Indians shared a video featuring Rohit Sharma on X. The right-handed batter was spotted sweating it out in a net session.

Mumbai Indians, the joint-most successful team in the IPL, secured their last trophy in 2020 when they beat Delhi Capitals in the final. They have failed to showcase their iconic form in the following seasons. Last year, Mumbai finished fourth in the points table and was knocked out by Gujarat in the second qualifier.