Hardik Pandya, the esteemed T20I captain and Gujarat Titans skipper is at the center of the biggest trading buzz ahead of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The IPL 2024 may witness a dramatic shift as Pandya is rumored to be returning to his former team, Mumbai Indians (MI).
Deadline for Trading Window
With Mumbai Indians refusing to comment on the development, one would need to wait till the closing day, November 26, for IPL trading window.
Pandya’s IPL Journey
Before parting ways in 2022, Pandya contributed to Mumbai Indians a lot while playing seven IPL seasons for the team. His joining with the Gujarat Titans thereafter resulted in consecutive finals, even getting them trophy in their debut season.
“Yes, I can confirm that there has been talks of Hardik going to MI. There remains a chance that he might switch sides but at this moment, nothing more can be confirmed as of now as the deal is yet to be signed,” said an IPL insider from Gujarat Titans.
Player Swap Puzzle
The rules of IPL player trading creates the matter bit puzzling. Since IPL trading involves swapping of players between teams, it raises the question – Who from MI would make the switch to the Gujarat Titans if Pandya returns to MI?
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Uncertainty Surrounding Jofra Archer
MI has yet to confirm their plan about Jofra Archer, their ₹8 crore mega buy who was unfortunately sidelined for most of the past two seasons due to injuries.
IPL Auction Budget Increase
With the IPL Governing Council’s decision to increase the purse by additional ₹5 crore, MI enters the mini-auction with more funds totalling ₹5.50 crore unless they decide to let go of some big-ticket players to augment the reserve money.
Role of Pandya in MI
If Pandya does signs a deal with MI then it’s yet to be seen if he is going to play under the thriving leadership of Rohit Sharma. Rohit Shatrma is famed as the iconic MI captain who in his prime form secured five trophies.
Answers to these questions will remain speculative until the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) officially announces the final trading list.
