Mumbai: Gujarat Titans (GT) captain, Hardik Pandya, is set to move back to his first franchise, Mumbai Indians, following an agreement between the two franchises. The all-rounder spent two eventful years with GT, spearheading their campaign with success. In GT’s debut season in 2022, Hardik ensured a fairytale start, with the team lifting the coveted trophy, while they finished runners-up in their second season after a last-ball defeat in a thrilling final earlier this year.
Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It’s a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indians family! 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!”
Akash Ambani, said, “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.”
Hardik’s return marks his homecoming to the One Family where he joins forces again with Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and the team. He first came to prominence for MI and then went on to debut for India in 2016. India’s premier all-rounder played a key role in MI’s four triumphs in the IPL between 2015 to 2021, the company said in a statement.
In a separate trade, MI all-rounder Cameron Green has been traded to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Green, who was bought for a whopping ₹17,50,00,000 at the auction last December, featured in 16 matches. The Australian had an impressive start to the IPL, hitting an unbeaten century and two half-centuries while also taking six wickets. Both trades have been carried out as per the existing player fees.
In the last season, Pandya played 16 matches in his he batted in 15 innings and accumulated 346 runs, which has 26 fours and 15 which he sent over the boundary flying. His highest score was 66 with an average of 31.45 and a strike rate of 136.75. He had two 50s.
The Titans later issued a statement saying that they were passing Shubman Gill the baton to lead the team.
