Hardik Pandya

1. Hardik Pandya, following his move to Mumbai Indians for the 2023 IPL, expressed gratitude to Gujarat Titans, his former team.
2. The star all-rounder, who parted ways with Gujarat Titans, recalled fond memories of his time with Mumbai Indians, where he was signed for a bargain price in 2015.
3. Pandya, previously the captain of Gujarat Titans, initiated discussions for the transfer ahead of IPL 2024.

Mumbai, Nov 27:Β Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, after a blockbuster transfer to Mumbai Indians for the 2023 IPL, expressed gratitude to his former team Gujarat Titans. Pandya had parted ways with Gujarat Titans to rejoin Mumbai Indians in the build-up to the mini-auction. The 30-year-old all-rounder, who previously played for Mumbai Indians, reminisced about the memories of his time with the team.

Gujarat Titans, in acknowledging Pandya’s departure, thanked their former captain for two successful seasons. In the 2022 edition, the debutant franchise topped the league standings and clinched the IPL trophy by defeating Rajasthan Royals in the final. Pandya led the team to another successful season as table-toppers in their title-defending campaign.

Also Read: VK Pandian: Journey from IAS Officer to Naveen Patnaik’s Right-Hand Man

In his post-transfer statement, Pandya reflected on his journey with Mumbai Indians, highlighting how they signed him at a modest price of INR 10 lakh during the IPL 2015 auction. He expressed joy in returning to Mumbai Indians, referencing the team, the Wankhede Stadium, and the Paltan fanbase. Notably, Pandya’s statement did not reference Gujarat Titans.

Reports suggest that relations between Pandya and Gujarat Titans were not entirely smooth before the last season, prompting discussions for a move back to Mumbai ahead of IPL 2024. Despite being released by Mumbai Indians before the 2022 mega auction, Pandya made a significant impact as captain for Gujarat Titans in the 2022 season, amassing 833 runs and leading the team to victory in the final.

After Hardik Pandya’s departure, Gujarat Titans announced Indian opener Shubman Gill as the captain for IPL 2024, marking a new chapter for the franchise. The move signifies Pandya’s return to the Mumbai Indians, where he aims to contribute to the team’s success once again.