Hardik Pandya is returning to Mumbai Indians after an ‘unforgettable journey’ with Gujarat Titans. In an all-cash trade, the allrounder was traded in by MI with the franchise making the announcement on Monday.
Pandya was released by MI ahead of the IPL mega auction in 2021 and he joined GT whom he captained to a title win in debut season. He also led them to the final earlier this year.
However, he’s now returning to the team where his cricketing career took off when he was picked by the five-time champions at his base price of Rs 10 lakh in the 2015 auction.
Pandya has thanked the GT, the team management and fans in a farewell message he posted on social media on Monday.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the fans, team, and management at Gujarat Titans,” the 30-year-old posted. “Being part of the team and leading it has been an absolute honour, and I am immensely thankful for the love and encouragement my family and I have received as a player and as an individual. The memories and experiences with GT will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for the unforgettable journey.”
pic.twitter.com/anZXpXJhrC— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 27, 2023
In a message shared by MI on Instagram, Pandya said returning termed his first stint with MI as ‘special’.
“Obviously the feeling of coming back to Mumbai is very special for a lot of reasons. How my cricketing journey started in 2015 with MI, them noticing me in 2013. When I look back and how the whole ten-year span has been, it’s something very special,” he said.
MI qualified for the IPL 2023 playoffs after finishing fourth in the standings. They defeated Lucknow Super Giants in the eliminator before losing to GT in the second qualifier.
Meanwhile, MI have traded Australia allrounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore in an all-cash deal.
MI will enter the IPL auction next month with a remaining purse of Rs 17.75 crore and eight vacant slots.
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