IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya likely to return to Mumbai Indians for an all-cash trade | Reports
Xtra Time Web Desk: In one of the biggest trade move in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL) Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya is set to return to his former franchise, Mumbai Indians (MI), ahead of the IPL 2024. This groundbreaking all-cash trade involves MI covering Hardik's entire salary, approximately $1.8 million or Rs 15 crore, along with an undisclosed transfer fee paid to Gujarat Titans. Notably, this would mark the first instance of an IPL-winning captain switching teams through a trade.
Hardik led the Titans to victory in their debut season in 2022 but faced a loss to MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 final. To facilitate the deal, MI, currently holding just Rs 0.05 crore, must release players to accumulate the required Rs 15 crore.
During his two-season stint with the Titans, Hardik showcased remarkable performance, amassing 833 runs with an average of 41.65 and a strike rate of 133.49. His bowling contributions included 11 wickets with an economy rate of 8.1. Despite an ankle injury sidelining him during India's ODI World Cup journey, Hardik remains one of the IPL's most successful all-rounders, boasting 2309 runs and 53 wickets in 123 matches, with an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 145. This trade reflects a significant development in IPL history, adding an intriguing chapter to the league's narrative.
