Hardik Pandya, omitted from the World Cup squad due to an ankle injury, might part ways with Gujarat Titans and reunite with his former team, Mumbai Indians, for the upcoming IPL, as per Saturday’s report. The Mukesh Ambani-led squad is allegedly offering a substantial Rs 15 crore all-cash deal, alongside an undisclosed transfer fee to Gujarat Titans, with Pandya set to receive 50% of the transfer fee.
If finalized, this potential move would mark the most significant player trade in IPL history. Despite no official confirmation from either franchise, speculation is rife. Pandya, who began his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians, steered Gujarat Titans to victory in the 2022 season, earning ‘Player of the Match’ in the final against Rajasthan Royals.
Initially signed by Mumbai Indians for a modest Rs 10 lakh in 2015, Pandya has featured in 123 matches, securing 53 wickets and amassing 2,309 runs at a strike rate of 139.89. In 2023, under Pandya’s leadership, Gujarat Titans reached the IPL final for the second consecutive year but lost to Chennai Super Kings. In two seasons with Titans, Pandya scored 833 runs in 30 innings with an average of 41.65 and a strike rate of 133.49, also taking 11 wickets with an economy of 8.1.
Pandya’s departure leaves Gujarat Titans in search of a new captain. Indian opener Shubman Gill and New Zealand’s veteran skipper Kane Williamson are top contenders for the leadership role in the 2024 season. Gill, who claimed the IPL 2023 Orange Cap with 890 runs in 17 matches, finished the season with a stunning run of form, including three centuries in the last five games, making him the third batter to surpass 800 runs in a single IPL season.
Avinash Poojari is the owner of ComClone News website. He is an accomplished author specializing in the field of information technology. With a Master’s degree in Information Technology, Avinash hails from Mumbai. Passionate about researching breaking news, he is dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.