Hardik Pandya on Monday (November 27) shared his feelings on making a return to Mumbai Indians (MI), a franchise where his cricketing journey began.
The all-rounder said it hasn’t sunk in yet and he’s gearing up to make more memories with the five-time IPL champions.
Pandya played for Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2021, winning four titles in seven seasons with them. Ahead of the 2022 mega-auction, MI let him go as they could retain only a few players.
“I’m back! Rohit (Sharma), (Jasprit) Bumrah, Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), Ishan (Kishan), Polly (Keiron Pollard), (Lasith) Malinga, chala suru karuya (Come on, let’s begin),” Hardik, who led Gujarat Titans in the last two IPL seasons, said in a video message shared by MI.
“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 added.
Hardik also opened up on his special bonding with MI owners and how it’s emotional for him to be back to ‘my family where it all started’.
“It (feeling of being back with MI) has not sunk in yet that finally I’m back where my whole cricketing journey started. I have achieved all the possible things. They have been the most important part in my life, special bonds with Akash and the whole family. They’ve been with me through my thick and thin and it’s much more emotional because it feels like that I am coming back to my home, I’m coming back to my family where it all started,” he stated.
Hardik Pandya moved from GT to MI with the 2022 champions receiving INR 15 crore in their purse for the IPL 2024 auction. It was an all-cash deal, making Pandya the first title-winning captain to be traded in IPL.
Hardik urged the fans to continue supporting him like they did in his first stint with MI.
“Paltan, you supported me the first time and all the memories have a special place in my heart. I know you will back me once again, we created history as a team and now I’m looking forward to create some wonderful moments with boys once again. Mere Hardik Swagat ke liye Thank you,” he remarked.
