‘Ambani ka paisa bolta hai’ – Fans react as Hardik Pandya is all set to join Mumbai Indians for all cash trade

In a historic move for the Indian Premier League (IPL), the biggest trade is underway as Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya prepares to return to his former franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) before the IPL 2024 auction in December. This high-profile transfer involves an all-cash transaction, indicating that MI will cover the entirety of Hardik’s salary along with an undisclosed transfer fee to Gujarat Titans.

According to a report, Hardik is anticipated to receive half of the transfer fee as part of the deal. Hardik Pandya’s IPL salary stands at approximately $1.8 million, equivalent to around Rs 15 crore. Both franchises involved in this significant deal, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Gujarat Titans, have remained tight-lipped about the details. If the transaction is finalized, it would mark the first instance of an IPL-winning captain switching teams through a trade. Hardik led the Titans to victory in his inaugural season as captain in 2022 but faced defeat in the 2023 final against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

For this deal to materialize, MI needs to have Rs 15 crore in their purse. Presently, they only have Rs 0.05 crore. While all franchises are receiving Rs 5 crore for the upcoming auction, MI will have to release some players to secure the remaining Rs 10 crore required for the Hardik Pandya trade.

During his two-season stint with the Titans, Hardik demonstrated 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, claiming 11 wickets with an economy rate of 8.1. Currently sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during India’s ODI World Cup campaign, Hardik remains a key figure in the IPL trading landscape.

Hardik Pandya debuted in the IPL playing for Mumbai Indians

Hardik initiated his career with Mumbai Indians in 2015. Before the 2022 mega auctions, Mumbai Indians released Hardik as they were only able to retain a limited number of players. In the subsequent auction, GT owners CVC Capital selected Hardik as their first choice from the player pool, alongside Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill.

Hardik clinched four titles with Mumbai Indians in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Considering Rohit Sharma’s impending retirement, Mumbai Indians might express interest in having Hardik back to assume team leadership in the coming years.

Let us look at how fans have reacted to this deal;