Gujarat Titans chief reveals why Hardik Pandya left the franchise for Mumbai Indians

It was a homecoming for Hardik Pandya as he was traded to Mumbai Indians for a massive INR 15 crore cash trade from Gujarat Titans. Hardik led the Titans in IPL 2022 and 2023 respectively. Pandya helped the Titans to win the title in their debut season whereas they were runner-ups in IPL 2023. Leading Titans in IPL has also developed leadership skills in Pandya and he is reported to be India's next captain after Rohit Sharma. 

3 things you need to know 

• Hardik Pandya began his IPL career in the year 2015
• Pandya was picked by Mumbai Indians at a base price of INR 10 lakh
• The IPL 2024 mini-auction is reported to be held in Dubai on December 19

ALSO READ | 'Composure was brilliant': Suryakumar Yadav expresses delight at Rinku Singh's finishing prowess

Vikram Solanki discloses reason behind Hardik Pandya's departure from Gujarat Titans

In a statement released on Monday, November 27, Gujarat Titans director Vikram Solanki opened up on the reason behind Hardik Pandya's departure from the franchise. Solanki said that Hardik had expressed a wish to return to his old team which was respected by the Titans' management. Solanki said in a statement: 

As the first captain of Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya has helped the franchise deliver two fantastic seasons that resulted in winning one IPL championship and one appearance in the final. He has now expressed a desire to return to his original team Mumbai Indians. We respect his decision and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours. 

ALSO READ | 'Money or legacy': Former India opener takes a dig at Hardik Pandya for ditching Gujarat Titans

Hardik Pandya: The future Team India captain!

Hardik Pandya has been leading the Indian cricket team in the T20I format since their debacle in the 2022 T20 World Cup and the management has been building a core for the 2024 edition of the tournament. The core team is without the likes of greats such as current captain Rohit Sharma and batsman Virat Kohli. Both of the players have not featured in the shortest international format after the IND vs ENG T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final. 

The captaincy has also groomed Hardik Pandya's batting and bowling skills due to which he has won many games for the team at his own will. Pandya is expected to be India's next captain after Rohit Sharma.