All-rounder Hardik Pandya is reportedly in discussions with the Mumbai Indians (MI), his former IPL team, about a sensational return that could be the most talked-about trade in league history. Pandya’s IPL career began with MI in 2015, and now multiple reports suggest that MI is negotiating with Pandya to rejoin the team, viewing him as a long-term captaincy candidate.
The deal is expected to be a cash-only transaction, with MI reportedly willing to pay ₹15 crore for the star all-rounder. The final confirmation of the deal’s outcome is likely to come only in the final hours of the trading window, which closes on Sunday.
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It remains unclear whether Pandya’s return would mean he would play under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy for the next IPL season. Pandya has been leading the Indian team in T20Is for most of 2023, while Rohit’s last T20I appearance was in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup last year.
To facilitate the trade, MI will need to release more than one big player to free up sufficient funds. They currently have just ₹5,00,000 available. Pandya’s value is ₹15 crore, which could force MI to release players like Ishan Kishan (₹15.25) or even Jofra Archer (₹8 crore) if his fitness prospects remain uncertain. There have also been suggestions that Gujarat Titans are interested in Cameron Green and another player.
Sources have downplayed the possibility of a direct trade involving Pandya and Sharma, considering Sharma’s status as the most successful captain in IPL history, leading MI to five titles.
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Pandya’s T20I career experienced a resurgence after he led Gujarat Titans to IPL glory in their maiden season in 2022. This year, they finished runners-up, falling just short of the title against the Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling final. Hardik is one of the most successful all-rounders in IPL history, with 2309 runs in 123 matches at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 145. Despite not bowling for two full seasons due to an injury, he has picked up 53 wickets.
