As the IPL 2024 mini-auction looms, the anticipation heightens not only for player trades but also for potential releases and retentions. One of the most significant trade speculations revolves around Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Gujarat Titans.
Having commenced his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians in 2015, Pandya captained the Titans in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Now, there are strong indications that he might make a return to the Mumbai Indians, marking a historic move in the IPL trade landscape.
According to reports from ESPNcricinfo, the proposed trade involves Pandya moving from the Titans to the Mumbai Indians for a staggering INR 15 crore (approximately $1.8 million). Interestingly, the Mumbai Indians are not only set to cover Pandya’s salary but are also rumored to pay an undisclosed transfer fee to the Titans. This groundbreaking trade has the potential to make Pandya the third captain in IPL history, dating back to its inception in 2008, to be involved in such a high-profile exchange.
Delving into the financial details, Pandya stands to earn up to 50% of the transfer fee, adding a unique dimension to this mega deal. The magnitude of this trade mirrors the historic IPL 2020 season when the Delhi Capitals secured the services of two seasoned IPL captains, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin, from Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, respectively.
While the trade seems imminent according to reports, both the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Titans are yet to make official statements on the matter. As the deadline for the release and retention process approaches, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await confirmation of this potentially game-changing trade, which could see Hardik Pandya donning the Mumbai Indians’ jersey once again in the upcoming IPL season.
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