In one of the most expensive trades in IPL history, Mumbai Indians (MI) got back Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans (GT) in an all-cash deal ahead of the IPL 2024.
To facilitate this deal, MI traded Australian all-rounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for his price of INR 17.50 crores. This helped them boost their purse with enough money to trade Hardik from GT.
Hardik Pandya made his IPL debut in 2015 and was with them till the 2021 edition. MI released Hardik Pandya ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, ahead of which he was picked by Gujarat Titans. GT made him captain of the franchise and Hardik led them to IPL 2022 title. GT also reached the IPL 2023 final as well under Pandya’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians owners Nita and Akash Ambani were ecstatic about Hardik Pandya returning home.
IPL 2024: “Feels good to be back”- Hardik Pandya reacts on homecoming to Mumbai Indians
"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!,” Nita Ambani said on MI website.
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’s return marks his homecoming to the MI franchise, where he reunites with Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan.
