Ashish Nehra denies trying to persuade Hardik Pandya to stay with Gujarat Titans

Ashish Nehra, former Indian cricketer and current head coach of Gujarat Titans, has made a straightforward declaration ahead of the upcoming 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Nehra clarified that he did not attempt to convince Hardik Pandya to remain with Gujarat Titans instead of returning to his former team, Mumbai Indians.

The IPL 2024 auction witnessed a surprising move as Mumbai Indians acquired Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans for INR 15 crore. This decision came as a shock to many and raised eyebrows, especially considering Pandya's previous move to Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2022, where he was appointed captain. Furthermore, the replacement of Mumbai Indians' legendary captain, Rohit Sharma, from the leadership position added to the unexpectedness of the trade.

During his tenure with Gujarat Titans, Pandya showcased exceptional leadership skills, leading his team to victory in their inaugural season. Additionally, he demonstrated remarkable performance as an all-rounder, contributing significantly with both bat and ball, accumulating over 400 runs and consistently taking wickets.

Despite Pandya's successful stint with Gujarat Titans, his move to Mumbai Indians emerged as the most significant trade in IPL history.

Ashish Nehra, speaking for the first time about the transition, acknowledged the evolving nature of sports, hinting at the likelihood of more such transfers in the future. In an interview with PTI, Nehra stated, "I never tried to convince Hardik to stay back. The way this sport is moving, we will see more such transfers like it happens in soccer’s international club market."