Here is how Hardik Pandya was traded to Mumbai Indians despite Gujarat Titans naming him in retention list

Hardik Pandya and his return to Mumbai Indians is undoubtedly the biggest news that surfaced across the cricketing fraternity on Sunday, November 26. Initially, the official broadcaster displayed the information of the all-rounder being retained by Gujarat Titans. However, hours after this, reports surfaced regarding him being officially traded to Mumbai. 

This move created a lot of confusion among the fans and rightly so. Many questioned the possibility of the trade taking place since the deadline for retention had already crossed. However, the trade was actually possible since the trading window was open by the time papers were signed. In fact, the trading window will be open till a week before the date of mini auction, which is scheduled to take place on December 19 in Dubai, the UAE.

It is worth mentioning that during the trade window, all the trades undergone between the teams will be deemed valid. Thus, Hardik Pandya's departure from Gujarat Titans transpired into reality. Now, there were also question marks on cash deals happening for the player after the retention deadline had passed. However, MI had to let go Cameron Green and traded him with Royal Challengers Bangalore so they could arrange for Hardik's salary of INR 15 crore.

To keep things simple, the fact that trading window was open, and is still open, the 30-year-old could move back to the franchise he won four titles with during his previous six-year stint. With this deal, Hardik Pandya became the third-ever captain to get traded from a franchise, in addition to Ajinkya Rahane (Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals) and Ravichandran Ashwin (Punjab Kings to Delhi Capitals)

Now that Gujarat Titans needed to name someone to lead the side after the all-rounder's ouster, they announced Shubman Gill, the 24-year-old, as their skipper for the 2024 edition of the cash-rich league. 

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