India’s ace all-rounder and IPL star Hardik Pandya has quit Gujarat Titans to rejoin his former team Mumbai Indians, following a trade between the two franchises, the BCCI confirmed on Monday.
Pandya was released by MI ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction before he was picked by Titans in the players draft and named their captain. Under Pandya’s captaincy, Titans won the IPL title in 2022 and finished runners up this year.
“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,” BCCI said in a media release.
After his trade to MI was confirmed, Pandya took to social media to express his delight over the move, saying “it feels good to be back”.
This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back,” Pandya wrote on social media platform X.
Hardik Pandya was retained by Gujarat Titans on deadline day, but his move to Mumbai Indians was possible because the trading window will close on December 12.
After his departure from GT, the franchise have named Shubman Gill as the captain for IPL 2024.
MI owner 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, 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.”
MI is owned by Indiawin Sports Pvt.Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries.
