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Reports suggest that Hardik Pandya is poised to depart Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Titans to reunite with his former team, Mumbai Indians, where he began his IPL journey in 2015.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the proposed trade involves an all-cash deal, with Mumbai Indians offering INR 15 crore ($1.8 million approx.) as Hardik’s salary along with an undisclosed transfer fee to Titans. Hardik may also stand to earn up to 50% of the transfer fee.
Despite growing rumors, sources close to Gujarat Titans express concerns over losing Hardik, emphasizing his integral role in their successful seasons. If the trade goes through, it could mark one of the most significant player transfers in IPL history. However, neither franchise has officially commented on the potential trade.
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This move would see Hardik Pandya join a select group of captains to be traded, following R Ashwin’s shift from Punjab Kings to Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals’ trade of Ajinkya Rahane to Capitals in 2020.
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Mumbai Indians face a challenge with their limited purse post the previous auction, having just INR 0.05 crore ($6000 approx.) remaining. To accommodate the Hardik trade, they might need to release player(s) before the retention deadline on November 26 at 4 pm IST.
Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to victory in their debut IPL season in 2022 and steered them to the final in 2023, finishing as runners-up to Chennai Super Kings. Under his captaincy, Titans excelled in league standings both seasons.
During his tenure at Titans, Hardik showcased remarkable performances, amassing 833 runs in 30 innings at an average of 41.65 and a strike rate of 133.49. Additionally, he claimed 11 wickets with an economy of 8.1. Presently, Hardik is sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during India’s ODI World Cup campaign.
Hardik Pandya’s initial IPL journey began at Mumbai Indians in 2015, evolving into one of the league’s premier all-rounders. His contributions were pivotal to Mumbai’s title-winning seasons in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.