IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya expressed desire to return to MI, says Gujarat Titans director Vikram Solanki

Gujarat Titans director of cricket operations Vikram Solanki revealed Hardik Pandya expressed his desire to return to Mumbai Indians. Pandya rejoined Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade deal and though the exact numbers are yet to be revealed it is expected that Pandya’s league fee for the year stands at INR 15 crore.

Pandya won four IPL titles with Mumbai Indians and it will be a special homecoming for him to a franchise, with whom he kicked off his IPL career back in 2015.

The all-rounder had led Gujarat Titans to glory in IPL 2022 and then also took the franchise to the final in the previous season but wanted to move back to Mumbai Indians.

Solanki said Pandya wanted to return back to MI and they respected his decision.

“As the first captain of Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya has helped the franchise deliver two fantastic seasons that resulted in winning one TATA 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,” Solanki said in a statement.

On the other hand, Mumbai Indians co-owner Nita Ambani is thrilled to welcome back Hardik Pandya to the Paltan family.

“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!” Nita Ambani said.

Pandya is also delighted to move back to Mumbai Indians and expressed his happiness after the successful move.

“This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back. #OneFamily @mumbaiindians,” said Hardik on Instagram.

Meanwhile, after Hardik Pandya’s exit, Gujarat Titans have named Shubman Gill as their new captain for the upcoming season.