IPL 2024: The biggest trade of the Indian Premier League is all set to take place. As per the reports in the ESPNCricinfo, it is learned that Hardik Pandya is all set to join Mumbai Indians for the next edition of the tournament.
The reports suggested that it’ll be an all-cash deal as Mumbai Indians is all set to pay INR 15 crore ($1.8 million approx) plus an undisclosed transfer fee to Gujarat Titans. It is likely that the all-rounder will earn up to 50% of the transfer fee.
If the trade happens then, it’ll be the biggest trade in the history of the IPL. Also, if it happens Hardik Pandya will become the third captain in the history of the league to be traded. He will join the likes of R Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane.
Although there’s no official confirmation but it’s likely to happen. The picture will be cleared when the retention deadline expires on November 26. Recently there were reports from various other media outlets that suggested that Rohit Sharma will move to Gujarat Titans in place of Hardik Pandya, who will move to Mumbai.
Read Also: IPL 2024 Auction Updates, Hardik Pandya to rejoin Mumbai Indians, Date, Retained Players List, Released Players List, IPL 2024 All Team Squad Details
However, it is learned that Gujarat Titans will take no player from Mumbai Indians but cash. It’ll be a homecoming for Hardik Pandya as it was Mumbai Indians where he gained all the limelight and became famous.
Hardik Pandya debuted for them in 2015 at a base price of Rs 10 lakh. After that, he was nourished well and became a big name in Indian cricket. He won titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 with them before joining Gujarat Titans in 2022.
IPL 2024: After Hardik Pandya’s trade, Kane Williamson likely to captain Gujarat Titans
With Hardik Pandya leaving Gujarat Titans, they will be without the captaincy choice. It is learned that Kane Williamson is likely to take up the charge. The Kiwi batter became part of the team last year but was ruled out of the tournament after he faced an injury in the first game.
Kane Williamson has a fair amount of captaincy experience as he led Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier. He also captains New Zealand in the white-ball cricket and it’s fair to say that there will be no better captaincy choice than him for Gujarat Titans for the time being.
