And, in Paney's own words, maybe, this could be the innings that shapes his destiny as a cricketer. Which also means he does not have to consider joining the Army, like his father GS Pandey.

"I think the plan has changed now. I just had an option that if cricket would not work for me then I would join the Army," he said.

Mumbai Indians could well be ruing their decision to let Pandey go in the off-season.