IPL 2024: Star-all-rounder Hardik Pandya back to Mumbai Indians for ₹15 Crore- Report

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• Nov 25, 2023 | Poonam Nath

Biggest trade among GT and MI with Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya coming back to his original Franchise...

Digital Desk: Hardik Pandya, the well-known Indian all-rounder who led Gujarat Titans to an IPL triumph in their inaugural season, is likely to return to his former team, Mumbai Indians, following a 15 crore all-cash deal between MI and GT. 

According to ESPNcricinfo, the trade is practically complete, as Hardik Pandya is likely to quit Gujarat Titans after two seasons as captain.

With the Mumbai Indians refusing to comment, fans will have to wait until November 26th, the last day of the IPL trading market.

Pandya played seven IPL seasons for Mumbai before being released before the 2022 season. Pandya guided Gujarat Titans to back-to-back IPL finals, including the title in their inaugural season, after joining the team.

Hardik Pandya is now at the forefront of the biggest trading news ahead of this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

It is his leadership abilities that appear to be making him a valuable asset once again, with the Mumbai Indians seeking a capable leader to replace his senior Rohit Sharma. If the agreement is reached, it will be the most significant trade in IPL history.

The only issue for MI at the moment is the budget they were left with following the 2023 auction. They have INR 5 Lakhs left in their kitty and will receive an additional 5 crore for this year's auction, which means MI will need to surrender a big-ticket player or a few of its low-priced players to bring Hardik Pandya back into the fold.

There had been speculation that GT would deal Hardik Pandya for another key player from MI, as per the rumour report it will be possibly Rohit Sharma. However, all speculation has been put to rest, and the sale will be all-cash, making it one of the most extraordinary pre-auction moves in IPL history.

Notably, if Pandya finally deals with MI, the main question is whether he will play alongside Rohit Sharma or replace him as captain, as there is speculation that Rohit will be moved to Gujarat Titans.

However, these inquiries remain unanswered for the time being, and the speculation will become obvious once the BCCI formally announces the final trading list.