New Delhi: After the Indian Premier League (IPL) confirmed the Gujarat Titans (GT) trading Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2024, GT director Vikram Solanki reacted that the team respects Pandya’s decision to move back to MI, IANS reported.
Meanwhile, MI is trading Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In a statement, Solanki wished the best for Pandya’s future and revealed the latter’s wish to leave the defending champions. It was Pandya himself who led GI during the last edition of the tournament, after taking it to victory the year before.
Solanki said, "As the first captain of Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya has helped the franchise deliver two fantastic seasons that resulted in winning one TATA IPL championship and one appearance in the final. He has now expressed a desire to return to his original team Mumbai Indians. We respect his decision and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours," Solanki said.
Pandya expressed his excitement to join back the 5-time champion MI, owner Nita Ambani welcomed him to the franchise. Pandya debuted in IPL in MI and later entered the national team.
Nita 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!”
After winning the IPL 2022, the debutant edition of GT, they lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2023 IPL final. When Rohit Sharma wasn’t available, Pandya was made captain of the Indian national team. Pandya might take Rohit’s seat as the T20 World Cup approaches next year.