Cricket enthusiasts are abuzz with speculation regarding Hardik Pandya’s potential return to the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Pandya, who captained the Gujarat Titans to IPL glory in their debut season, is reportedly in talks with MI, the team he represented for seven seasons before being released in 2022.
“Yes, I can confirm that there have been talks of Hardik going to MI,” an IPL source told PTI. “There remains a chance that he might switch sides, but at this moment, nothing more can be confirmed as the deal is yet to be signed.”
Pandya’s potential return to MI has sparked excitement among fans, eager to witness the star all-rounder once again donning the iconic blue jersey. MI, the five-time IPL champions, are reportedly prepared to offer Pandya a lucrative contract worth ₹15 crore to secure his services.
With the IPL Governing Council increasing the purse by an additional ₹5 crore, MI will enter the mini-auction with ₹5.50 crore (up from the existing ₹50 lakh purse) unless they release some of their big buys to swell the reserve money.
The potential return of Pandya raises questions about the leadership dynamics within MI. If Pandya joins the team, it would remain to be seen whether he would play under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, who has led MI to five IPL titles.
As the IPL trading window nears, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the official announcement from the BCCI regarding the final trading list. Pandya’s potential return to MI would undoubtedly be a major talking point during the upcoming IPL season.
