The biggest trade of IPL 2024 is here! Gujarat Titans has release Hardik Pandya on Monday afternoon. And in a major move Hardik has been traded to Mumbai Indians for a huge sum of 15 crores. Announcing about the biggest trade Gujarat Titans said, “Dear Hardik thankyou for the memories. We wish you the best.”
After the major trade, Hardik tweeted his video of him getting purchased by the MI. The video captured his journey of becoming a successful all-rounder & how MI shaped his journey. Hardik wrote: “This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back. #OneFamily.” Then MI retweeted his video captioning it, “Welcome back, home.”
The rumors of Hardik going to Mumbai Indians was doing rounds on social media for a long time now. But soon all the rumors came to a standstill when Titans announced the list of retentions & it have the name of Hardik Pandya. But it was after the retention list was announced that the reports of MI signing the trade deal started doing rounds on social media.
On Hardik’s return the owners of MI, Nita Ambani said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It’s a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indians family! From being a young scouted talent of Mumbai Indians to now being a team India star, Hardik has come a long way and we’re excited for what the future holds for him and Mumbai Indians!”
Hardik Pandya has joined Mumbai Indians in 2015 & remained with the team until 2021 season. After 2021 he was released & was signed by the new franchise Gujarat Titans. . He led the Titans in the two seasons he was with them – once to the title (in 2022, their inaugural campaign) and then to the runners-up position (2023). It was during his stint with the MI that Hardik has groomed into a prolific all-rounder. He has so far played 92 games for the Mumbai based franchise scoring over 1400 runs & scalping 42 wickets.
Shubman Gill steps in as the Captain of Gujarat Titans
Now Hardik moving out gave a clear chit for Shubman Gill to be named as Titans Captain. He will lead Gujarat Titans from IPL 2024.
After the official announcement of captaincy Shubman Gill said that he is delighted to assume the captaincy of Titans & thanked the franchise for showing trust in him for the huge responsibility.
Vikram Solanki, director of cricket, Gujarat Titans, said “Shubman Gill has shown phenomenal prowess growth in stature and standing over the last two years at the highest level of the game. We’ve seen him mature not only as a batter but also as a leader in cricket. His contribution on the field has helped Gujarat Titans emerge as a formidable force, guiding the team through a successful campaign in 2022 and a strong run in 2023. His maturity and skill is evident in his on-field performance and we are extremely excited to embark on a new journey with a young leader like Shubman at the helm.”
Gill has played 33 matches for Gujarat Titans in the last two seasons of IPL where he has scored 1373 runs. He was also a part of Gujarat’s huge title triumph in IPL 2022. Shubman also played an integral role in the franchise’s successful campaign in 2023 season where they ended up as runners-up with 890 runs in 16 matches.
We wish best of luck to both the players for their upcoming stint in the IPL 2024.
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