IPL 2024 Trade Window: Gujarat Titans Skipper Hardik Pandya To Return To Mumbai Indians?

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Hardik Pandya is reportedly set to leave Gujarat Titans and return to Mumbai Indians during the IPL 2024 trade window, which ends on Sunday (November 26) the same day as the franchises reveal their retained and released players list ahead of the auction.

According to reports, Hardik, who led Gujarat Titans to a title in their inaugural edition will return to the franchise where it all started for the star India all-rounder in Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 30-year-old Hardik began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians and was a part of their four title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. He was forced to be released ahead of the mega auction in 2022, when the new entrant Titans drafted him in the side.

In the two seasons as the captain of Gujarat Titans, the younger Pandya has led the team to one title and one runner up finish, scoring 833 runs and claiming 11 wickets during the stint. Since taking over the leadership role with Titans, Hardik has also led India in white-ball format.

Pandya, who missed the ODI World Cup 2023 mid-way through the tournament due to injury, had captained the national side whenever regular skipper Rohit Sharma has missed action.

Now, the recent rumours also point towards Pandya taking over the captaincy from Rohit in Mumbai Indians. The wild rumour suggests that Pandya will be traded to Mumbai Indians in a direct swap for Rohit.

However, the same report from Cricketnext.com added that Mumbai Indians will find it very tough to let go five-time title winning skipper Rohit, and may instead use England pacer Jofra Archer as part of the swap.

Will Hardik Pandya join Mumbai Indians again?

Hardik has a really good bond with the owners of the Mumbai Indians. He also likes working with his Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra, who is linked with the Team India job. If Nehra leaves Titans for the national team job, then Hardik may be tempted to move on as well.

But Gujarat Titans is like a home side to the Baroda star, who may remain with the franchise for the final year of his three-year contract before the mega auction happens again in 2024 ahead of the IPL 2025 season.

Recent reports also suggest that Rohit is uncertain about his furure in T20Is, which also hint that the Indian skipper is likely to miss the next T20 World Cup. If there is any movement involving the players, it will be known by this weekend. So, stay tuned for further updates.