IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans retains captain Hardik Pandya

All-rounder Hardik Pandya has been retained by the Gujarat Titans for the IPL 2024. Earlier, it was reported that Pandya would play for Mumbai Indians under a trade with Gujarat Titans. Under a trade, IPL players can be exchanged between two teams. On Sunday, Gujarat Titans retained Pandya but trade can still happen as the window is open till December 12.

Hardik began his career with Mumbai Indians, but was released by the team after IPL 2021. Gujarat Titans, one of the two new franchises in the 2022 season, bought the all-rounder and made him captain. 

India off-spinner R Ashwin on Sunday said that if there is any truth to the chatter around Hardik Pandya shifting base to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans, then the five-time IPL champions have "struck gold". Reports have indicated that Pandya could be returning to MI in an all-cash trade with GT, as the 30-year-old is expected to be worth more than Rs 15 crore.

"If it's true, Mumbai Indians have struck gold. So, it's a complete cash deal from whatever I read. There's no player that Mumbai is giving," Ashwin said in a video he shared on his Instagram account.

"Mumbai Indians have never given players on trade. I don't think it has happened ever. But, how does that XI look like if Hardik goes back who's an MI-grown player? "There's three times when a captain has been traded. One, yours truly, No. 2 Ajinkya Rahane and now Hardik Pandya." 

Pandya began his IPL career with MI in 2015 and was a part of the side until 2021. He won four titles with Mumbai Indians. Following the inclusion of GT into the competition in 2022, Pandya was picked up by the Ahmedabad-based franchise. He led GT to title success in their debut season and helped them finish as the runner-up in IPL 2023. "The only difference between us and Hardik is that he's an IPL-winning captain, which completely changes the balance for even Gujarat Titans," added Ashwin.

"It will be interesting to see whether another Pandya might.. oh sorry, sorry. But, what Mumbai needs to do now is because Hardik Pandya is a 15-crore player, they have to free up their purse to make sure they come under the auction budget."

(With inputs from PTI)