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IPL 2024 Auction: Gujarat Titans Captain Hardik Pandya Is Rejoining Mumbai Indians For All-Cash Trade, Says Report

In what could mark one of the most significant trades in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, the captain of Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya, is reportedly poised to return to his former franchise, the Mumbai Indians (MI), ahead of the IPL 2024 auction set for December. This anticipated move is set to be an all-cash trade, with MI covering Hardik's entire salary and an undisclosed transfer fee to GT. Notably, it's speculated that Hardik might receive half of the transfer fee, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Hardik Pandya's IPL salary stands at around $1.8 million, approximately equivalent to Rs 15 crore. However, both franchises have maintained silence regarding the specifics of this lucrative deal. If finalized, this trade would mark the first instance of an IPL-winning captain switching teams via trade. Hardik previously led the Titans to their debut IPL trophy in 2022, and in 2023, guided the team to the final where they fell short against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

For this trade to materialize, MI must have Rs 15 crore available in their purse, but currently, they possess only Rs 0.05 crore. Each of the ten franchises is allotted Rs 5 crore for the forthcoming auction. To acquire the remaining Rs 10 crore required to bring Hardik on board, MI will need to release some players.

During his two-season tenure with the Titans, Hardik showcased his prowess by amassing 833 runs in 30 innings, boasting an impressive average of 41.65 and a striking rate of 133.49. Additionally, he contributed to the team's bowling strength, securing 11 wickets with an economy rate of 8.1. Presently, Hardik is sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during India's ODI World Cup campaign.

Prior to this potential trade, only two captains had been traded - R Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane - when Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) exchanged players.

Hardik commenced his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians in 2015. However, ahead of the 2022 mega auctions, MI had to let Hardik go as they could retain only a limited number of players. GT owners, CVC Capital, secured Hardik from the pool along with Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill.

Notably, Hardik clinched four IPL titles with MI in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 respectively. With Rohit Sharma potentially nearing retirement, MI might see Hardik's return as an opportunity for him to lead the side in the forthcoming years.