Hardik Pandya who played for Mumbai Indians (MI) before joining the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) might be again seen in the Mumbai camp in the upcoming 2024 IPL.
According to some sources, it was found that after the 2023 IPL season both the MI management and Hardik were in touch. Hardik joined the Gujarat camp in 2022 where he was given the leadership role and he proved them right by winning the title and then in the following season he again took his team to the finals but got defeated by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 5 wickets.
His Indian Premier League journey started in 2015 in the Mumbai camp where he was picked by the team at his base price (10 lakhs) and he performed brilliantly in both the departments (batting and bowling) and later got selected in the Indian team. He showed his consistency and was retained by the team until 2022, where after leaving Gujarat Titans got the opportunity to retain and then he left the blue jersey.
Some sources also suggest that the transfer amount will be a whooping one (more than 15+ crore approx). Still nothing has been announced officially by both the teams but sources said that the transfer process has begun and will be declared soon.
If Hardik leaves GT, then the management will have to find a new skipper for the team. Kane Williamson has a great captaincy record in international cricket and also did leadership for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL. While Rashid Khan was seen leading the team in a couple of matches in absence of Pandya during the 2023 season.
Not only this MI will also have little problem, if they have to pay more than 15+ cr then they have to release any big player from their squad so that Pandya can be accommodated easily. Jofra Archer might be released from the team as MI acquired him by spending 8.00 crores. Also Cameron Green who has been given his services to the Mumbai team has been acquired by spending 17.5 crores might also be released.