On Sunday, the speculations and rumours were confirmed when Mumbai Indians finalised the trade for Hardik Pandya. This happened shortly after the official announcement that Gujarat Titans had retained him as their captain for the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Mumbai Indians’ owners warmly welcomed the star all-rounder back, and Gujarat Titans, in their initial response to the significant IPL trade, disclosed that it was Hardik’s wish to return to his previous franchise.
Hardik Pandya led Gujarat to a remarkable IPL title victory in 2022 during their first appearance in the league. He was named the Player of the Match in the final for his outstanding all-round performance. In the subsequent season, they made it to the final again but lost to MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings. During his two seasons with the Titans, where the team finished at the top of the table both times, Hardik showcased his leadership qualities. As a result, he was entrusted with the role in Indian white-ball matches whenever the regular captain Rohit Sharma opted for a break.
Even with his successful stint at Titans, Hardik gained fame during his time with Mumbai Indians. They signed him for just INR 10 lakhs in 2015 when he was an uncapped player. Over time, he became a key player for the franchise and contributed to their title victories in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Surprisingly, Mumbai released Hardik before the 2022 mega auction, and it was Gujarat Titans who then acquired him as their captain.
The Indian all-rounder has spoken up after the transfer, expressing that it stirs up many wonderful memories, and he’s pleased to reunite with the five-time IPL Champions.
“This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back. #OneFamily @mumbaiindians,” said Hardik on Instagram.
This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back. 💙 #OneFamily @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/o4zTC5EPAC
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 27, 2023
𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘. 𝕄𝕀 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 💙 pic.twitter.com/zNeCJN4Oqt
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 27, 2023
Akash Ambani, who owns MI gave a warm welcome to the all-rounder, stating that he brings excellent balance to any team he joins.
“Seeing Hardik back at Mumbai Indians makes me very happy. It is a happy homecoming. He provides great balance to any team he plays. Hardik’s first stint with the MI family was hugely successful, and we hope he achieves even more success in his second stint,” said Akash Ambani.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It’s a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indians family,” stated Nita Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians. She further continued “From being a young scouted talent of Mumbai Indians to now being a team India star, Hardik has come a long way and we’re excited for what the future holds for him and Mumbai Indians!”
In a statement on Monday, Gujarat Titans’ Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki disclosed that it was Hardik’s choice to go back to Mumbai Indians, and he wished him the best of luck.
“As the first captain of Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya has helped the franchise deliver two fantastic seasons that resulted in winning one TATA IPL championship and one appearance in the final. He has now expressed a desire to return to his original team Mumbai Indians. We respect his decision and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours,” Solanki said.
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