IPL 2024: GT Trade Out Hardik Pandya To MI, Name Shubman Gill As New Captain

Hardik Pandya played for MI from 2015 to 2021. He returns to his former franchise where his career started. Hardik is expected to be deputy of Rohit Sharma at MI.

Hardik Pandya leaves GT. (Image: ANI)

Hardik Pandya has been released by Gujarat Titans, the IPL franchise tweeted on Monda afternoon. The tweet read: "Farewell and best wishes on your next journey. Go well, HP." The message futher read, "Dear Hardik, Thank you for the memories. We wish you the best."

Mumbai Indians have traded in their former all-rounder for a sum of Rs 15 crore, which is the IPL salary of Pandya as well as an undisclosed transfer fee.

Hardik tweeted the video of him getting purchased at the auction by MI. The video captured his journey from a rookie to a successful all-rounder and how MI shaped this journey. Hardik wrote: "This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back. #OneFamily."

Welcome back ____! _ #OneFamily https://t.co/rrP5s36xn2

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 27, 2023

MI retweeted the Pandya video and wrote: "Welcome back, home."

The rumours of Hardik going to Mumbai was doing the rounds of social media for a long time. However, the rumours came to a standstill when GT announced the list of players retained on the evening of November 26, which was the deadline day to announce the retentions. 

However, more reports floated in that MI had signed the trade deal right after the retentions were announced and then it was matter of time before the official announcement was made.

With Hardik leaving, Shubman Gill has been named in as the captain of Gujarat Titans. He will lead the 2022 champions from IPL 2024. 

On Hardik's return to MI, MI owner Nita Ambani 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!”

Akash Ambani also expressed his happiness on seeing Hardik back at Mumbai Indians. "It is a happy homecoming. He provides great balance to any team he plays. Hardik’s first stint with the MI family was hugely successful, and we hope he achieves even more success in his second stint," said Akash.