IPL 2024: Not Just Hardik Pandya, These 5 Players Have Also Returned To Former Franchise; In Pics

Hardik Pandya was not retained by the Mumbai Indians (MI) before the 2022 mega auction. He was later picked by Gujarat Titans (GT) for whom he played two seasons as captain and also led them to a title win while playing finals in both the seasons, 2022 and 2023 respectively. But ahead of 2024 season with MI looking for a future leader, they offered a trade deal to GT and Hardik in case. Both agreed and what followed was the most-talked about player trade in IPL history. Reportedly, Hardik wanted to come back to MI only if he was going to lead the team. (Image: X)

Manish Pandey had his best years at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). After franchise released him from the squad, he went to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) where he continued to struggle. His last stint with Lucknow Super Giant (LSG) was not a great one either. He was with Delhi Capitals (DC) earlier. In 2024 auction, it seemed that Pandey, who plays with low strike rate, may find no bidders. But KKR picked him up for a sum of Rs 50 lakh. (Image: X)

India bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur is back at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and is expected to play all matches if fit for the MS Dhoni-led team. He spent some time at DC but CSK wanted him more this season and bought him for a sum of Rs 4 crore at IPL 2024 Auction. (Image: X)

Not many know that Mitchell Starc was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2028 auction but the pacer pulled out at the last minute to due to some reasons. Starc was bought for a record-breaking price of Rs 24.75 crore at the IPL 2024 auction. He is, in a way, making a return to the KKR squad after many years. (Image: X)

Shreyas Gopal started his career at Mumbai Indians (MI). The leg-spinner has missed some seasons for IPL and is now raring to make a strong comeback as he was picked by MI for a sum of Rs 20 lakh at the auction. He will be used as an alternative to Piyush Chawla. (Image: X)

Not as a player, but former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir has also made a return to his franchise. As a mentor, he is going to show the same passion to help them two-time champions clinch their third title. (Image: X)