Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who captained Gujarat Titans (GT) during the last two IPL seasons has rejoined Mumbai Indians (MI). This happened following the completion of an all-cash trade-off agreement between the two teams. 20 hours following the IPL retention deadline ended on November 26, there was confirmation. Then, GT announced that Pandya, who helped the team win its first championship in the 2022 competition, will be with the squad.
The Indian Cricket Board and the IPL authorities were unable to approve the trade-off prior to the retention window closing, according to a subsequent report from PTI, due to a delay in the legal paperwork.
Director of Cricket for Gujarat Titans, Vikram Solanki spoke about Hardik Pandya’s decision to leave. He said, “As the first captain of Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya has helped the franchise deliver two fantastic seasons that resulted in winning one IPL championship and one appearance in the final. He has now expressed a desire to return to his original team Mumbai Indians. We respect his decision and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”
Meanwhile, Nita Ambani was delighted to welcome back their superstar all-rounder. She wrote in a statement, “We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It’s a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indians family! From being a young scouted talent of Mumbai Indians to now being a team India star, Hardik has come a long way and we’re excited for what the future holds for him and Mumbai Indians!”
“We hope he achieves even more success” : Aakash Ambani
Aakash Ambani who is a close friend of Hardik Pandya showed his admiration for the Team India all-rounder’s return to the franchise.
He said, “Seeing Hardik back at Mumbai Indians makes me very happy. It is a happy homecoming. He provides great balance to any team he plays. Hardik’s first stint with the MI family was hugely successful, and we hope he achieves even more success in his second stint,”
Fans react to Gujarat Titans’ owners’ statement regarding Hardik Pandya joining Mumbai Indians: –
Gujarat Titans' Director of cricket said, "Hardik Pandya expressed his desire to return to his original franchise. We respect his decision". pic.twitter.com/tENVgyintc
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 27, 2023
maybe Hardik's loyalty always belonged to MI as he debuted for MI and played some of his fine knocks under MI. Now he has a chance to comeback to his own team, lead the side after Rohit and continue the legacy of MI and his own.
— cute one-liners (@cuteoneliners) November 27, 2023
Thanks Hardik ?
You are inspiration of young players that
Money is everything ?? pic.twitter.com/39WS0BKuBh— Pankaj (@Pankaj41627) November 27, 2023
Hardik Pandya desired something else which Gujarat titans management can't fullfill. Only Ambani can give him that.
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) November 27, 2023
Pandya coming back to Mumbai#IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/vVm16ac9oQ
— ??..Rai ji..?? (@Vinod_r108) November 27, 2023
5.25pm – Hardik Pandya retained by Gujarat Titans.
7.25pm – Hardik Pandya traded to Mumbai Indians.
– IPL AT ITS PEAK…!!!
THE BIGGEST IPL DRAMA YOU WILL EVER SEE
— TarunKumar (@mr__btk) November 27, 2023
Ambani showing his power with money. The biggest scam ever in the history of IPL pic.twitter.com/enGKDHjq4A
— World Hall of Fun (@WorldHallOfFun) November 27, 2023
He is meant to be a Mumbai Indian. ? pic.twitter.com/oKeC3h0LJT
— White knight ? (@santhoshtiger14) November 27, 2023
Its a personal choice,why people unwantedly debate about money and leagcy all that…
— Sachin Yadav (@imsachinyadav1) November 27, 2023
That's great to hear! It's always important to respect players' decisions and support them in their choices.
— Stewie (@StewzieGriffin) November 27, 2023
Gujrat Titans said this and let him go pic.twitter.com/PG1G89iH8n
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) November 27, 2023
Hardik won the final for GT but still came to MI. Would GT call this loyalty or betrayal??
— Omar. (@OmarBalochh) November 27, 2023
