Hardik Pandya Joins Mumbai Indians' Squad Ahead Of IPL 2024, Gujarat Titans React
Published - 27 Nov 2023, 02:27 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:16 AM
Mumbai Indians, on Monday (November 27), finally confirmed the return of Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans. The five-time IPL champions pulled off arguably the biggest trade in the history of the IPL to secure the services of the India star ahead of the next season.
The entire saga ended in a very dramatic manner. While speculations were rife that Hardik Pandya was all set to return to Mumbai Indians, the Indian cricketing fraternity was left shell-shocked when Gujarat Titans announced that they had retained the allrounder. With the transfer deadline passed, few were prepared for what unfolded next.
Even after the deadline was passed, Mumbai Indians went on to sign Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans. And on Monday, they finally delivered an official update on the same. The franchise posted a photo of Hardik Pandya in the Mumbai Indians jersey on X.
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Mumbai Indians also traded Australian allrounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore in an all-cash deal. The transfer has added INR 17.50 crore to Mumbai Indians’ purse. Green was also retained initially before being traded to RCB after the transfer deadline.
Mrs. Nita. M. 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!”
Speaking about Hardik’s return, 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.”
Hardik Pandya eyes successful return:
Hardik Pandya will be looking to make a successful return to Mumbai Indians and guide them to a sixth IPL title. The India star began his career in IPL with the Mumbai-based franchise in 2015 and played seven seasons for them. In those seven seasons, he helped the franchise win four IPL titles before being released in 2022.
Farewell and best wishes on your next journey.
Go well, HP! #IPLRetention pic.twitter.com/awCxZzXesc— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 27, 2023
In 2022, he was signed up by Gujarat Titans and enjoyed two highly productive seasons with them. In his first season, he led the Gujarat-based outfit to the IPL title in 2022. And this year, he led them to a runners-up finish. Talking about his performance, he scored 833 runs in 30 innings and picked up 11 wickets for Gujarat Titans.
Players retained by Mumbai Indians: Akash Madhwal, Arjun Tendulkar, Dewald Brevis, Ishan Kishan, Jason Behrendorff, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, N. Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera, Piyush Chawla, Rohit Sharma, Romario Shepherd (T), Shams Mulani, Surya Kumar Yadav, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Hardik Pandya (T)
