Mumbai Indians Plays Ace As Hardik Pandya Likely To Leave Gujarat Titans, Set To Rejoin MI

The Indian Premier League (IPL), popular for thrilling encounters, has already started to catch peoples' attention. Hours before the deadline to trade players, the Cash Rich League is likely to register the biggest player exchange in its history. If the reports that are doing round the internet are to be believed, then Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya may leave the Gujarat Titans to join back his erstwhile franchise, Mumbai Indian.

Hardik-led Gujarat Titans clinched the champions title in their very first attempt in 2022 and fell a step short in finals against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings in 2023 Edition. As per the reports, Hardik has been in touch with MI officials since the end of IPL 2023 edition. The reason behind MI's hunt is said to be a succession plan after Rohit Sharma.

The all-rounder has proven his metal in in all 3 departments of the game, Batting-Bowling-Fielding, rewarding him to be named as captain for Team India in the T20 format, in the absence of Rohit Sharma.

From the Gujarat Titans angle, the 30-year-old cricketer has always been their first choice, along with Afghanistan's spin bowling sensation Rashid Khan.

Skipper to switch the side:

If Hardik Pandya, the skipper and backbone for the Gujarat Titans, chose to return to Mumbai Indians, then it would be a shocker for Gujarat fans and franchise. Although, it happened earlier too, when Delhi Capitals signed R Ashwin, who led Punjab Kings in 2019. Rajasthan Royals' then captain Ajinkya Rahane was also picked up the Delhi team in players trade for the 2019 edition.

If the trade happened, Mumbai Indians would be paying Rs 15 crore to Hardik Pandya as his fees for the season. On the other side, Gujarat Titans would get the same amount budget to their wallet to buy the replacement. Moreover, the player would get entitled for up to 50 percent hike in his fee.