IPL 2024 Auction: Hardik Pandya returns to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans

And it is official! Hardik Pandya has returned to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans after two seasons with GT in the Indian Premier League. Pandya spent seven years with MI before moving to GT at the formation of the new IPL franchise. In two years in Ahmedabad, Pandya led the side to a title (2022) and a runners-up finish last season. In the final, GT, under Pandya’s leadership, lost the title clash to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Pandya won four titles with Mumbai Indians after joining the team in 2015. He will now return to Wankhede Stadium to play alongside Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan.

Welcome back 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘! 💙 #OneFamily https://t.co/rrP5s36xn2

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 27, 2023

[caption id=“attachment_13435182” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Nita Ambani (L), co-owner of the Mumbai Indians franchise, with Hardik Pandya (R). Image: Mumbai Indians[/caption] Speaking about the move, Mrs. Nita Ambani said, “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!”

This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back. 💙 #OneFamily @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/o4zTC5EPAC

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 27, 2023

Mr. Akash Ambani 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.” As a consequence of the blockbuster trade, Shubman Gill has been elevated to the role of Gujarat Titans captain. Meanwhile, to bring Pandya back, Mumbai Indians released Cameron Green who has joined Royal Challengers Bangalore. An IPL statement read: “Gujarat Titans’ (GT) captain, Hardik Pandya, is set to move back to his first franchise, Mumbai Indians, following a trade between the two franchises. The all-rounder spent two momentous years with GT, spearheading their campaign with aplomb.” “In GT’s debut season in 2022, Hardik ensured a fairytale start, with the team lifting the coveted trophy, while they finished runners-up in their second season after a last-ball defeat in a thrilling final earlier this year.” “In a separate trade, MI all-rounder Cameron Green has been traded to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Green, who was bought for a whopping ₹17,50,00,000 at the auction last December, featured in 16 matches. The Australian had an impressive start to the IPL, hitting an unbeaten century and two half-centuries while also taking six wickets. Both trades have been carried out as per the existing player fees.”