The cricketing world is abuzz with speculation regarding Hardik Pandya’s potential transfer from his current team, Gujarat Titans, back to his old IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians. This rumored deal has sparked a flurry of reactions from various cricketing personalities, who view it as a significant development ahead of the upcoming IPL mini-auction.
Ace Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on the matter, suggesting that if the transfer materializes, Mumbai Indians will have made a shrewd move.
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Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his admiration for Pandya’s inclusion in the MI squad, stating, “If it’s true, Mumbai Indians have struck gold. So if it’s true and it’s a complete cash deal from whatever I read. There’s no player that Mumbai is giving, Mumbai Indians have never given players on trade. I don’t think it has happened ever. But how does that XI look like if Hardik goes back who’s an MI-grown player.”
Ravichandran Ashwin further drew parallels between Pandya’s potential transfer and his own, highlighting the rarity of such player movements.
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“The only difference between us and Hardik is that he’s an IPL winning captain which completely changes the balance for even Gujarat Titans. It will be interesting to see whether another Pandya might.. oh sorry sorry. But what Mumbai needs to do now is because Hardik Pandya is a 15-crore player. They have to free up their purse to make sure they come under auction budget,” he added.
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan also commented on the reported transfer, suggesting that it could mark the beginning of transfer fees in cricket, similar to those prevalent in football. He tweeted, “The @hardikpandya7 move back to Mumbai .. it’s clearly happening .. The first sign of transfer fees in cricket like Football !!?? It’s inevitable it would happen soon.”
The @hardikpandya7 move back to Mumbai .. it’s clearly happening .. The first sign of transfer fees in cricket like Football !!?? It’s inevitable it would happen soon .. #TATAIPL ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 25, 2023
These reactions from prominent figures in the cricketing world underscore the significance of Hardik Pandya’s potential transfer. His return to Mumbai Indians could significantly alter the team’s dynamics and set the stage for an intriguing IPL 2024 season.
