New Delhi: Gujrat Titans couldn’t have asked for more from their captain Hardik Pandya who led them to the coveted IPL Trophy in their very first season of the tournament.
However, the latest reports have it that Hardik is set to return to his former franchise, and 5-time title winner Mumbai Indians for the 17th edition of IPL which will kickstart next year in March. If true, this without a doubt is one of the biggest twists in the history of the world’s biggest cricket League.
Hardik Pandya to Join Mumbai Indians again?
As per a report published by Cricknext.Com, Mumbai is eyeing to bag Hardik in a direct swap of the captains. This suggests that the all-rounder will not just rejoin Mumbai but is also very likely to be appointed as the team’s skipper with either Rohit Sharma or Jofra Archer making space for him.
However, considering Rohit’s fan following and his contribution to making Mumbai Indians the powerhouse of the Indian Premier League, it’s much more likely that Hardik will replace English pacer Jofra Archer in the team before eventually assuming the captainship.
Rohit Sharma vs Hardik Pandya
Currently, MI is led by Rohit Sharma who is also the captain of the current Indian cricket team. Under his leadership, Mumbai has won as many as 5 IPL titles and remains one of the two most successful teams of the league alongside Chennai Super Kings.
On the other hand, Hardik, who played match-winning knocks for Mumbai in several editions of the IPL, became a part of IPL’s Newest team Gujrat Titans in the mega action of 2022.
Under Hardik’s captainship, Gujrat Titans scripted history and won the IPL trophy in their very first season (IPL 2022). Even in 2023, Gujrat had a dream run in the group stage of the league and reached the playoffs as the top team.
However, they failed to defend their Tital in the finals as Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings outclassed them with a 5-wicket victory to claim their 5th title of the league.
Notably, just 4 days are left in the closure of IPL’s transfer window following which, the next auction will take place on the 19th of December in UAE.
Devdutt Paddikal to Play for LSG?
Meanwhile, reports also have it that Lucknow Super Giants have roped in Devdutt Paddikal in a direct swap in a direct swap against pacer Avesh Khan who will be now seen playing for the inaugural IPL winners Rajasthan Royals.
