Which captains have been traded in IPL history?

With the trading window and the deadline for retentions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season closing soon, there have been several reports about arguably the biggest trade in the history of the coveted tournament.

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya is set to move to his former franchise Mumbai Indians. Pandya, who started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians in 2015, has led the Titans in 2022 and 2023 season of the IPL. However, if the reports are to be believed, he will move back to his former franchise in one of the most shocking trades in IPL history. 

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Pandya is set to be traded from Titans to Mumbai Indians for INR 15 crore ($1.8 million approx.), with the latter paying his salary (INR 15 crore) and an undisclosed transfer fee to Titans. The report adds that Pandya stands a chance to earn upto 50% of the transfer fee.

Pandya has been in impeccable form for Gujarat Titans ever since he joined the side in 2022. Winning the competition in the first year as captain in 2022, Pandya followed it up by reaching the final of the IPL 2023, where his team fell short against the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings to finish as the runners-up.

Meanwhile, this won't be the first time an IPL captain will be traded. In IPL 2020 as the Delhi Capitals secured the services of two IPL skippers in the season. The Capitals brought in veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane and all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin from Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, respectively.

It is worth noting that 2020 was Capitals’ best year, the only year where they reached the summit clash of the tournament. However, they missed out on winning their first IPL title as they lost the final to Mumbai Indians by five wickets.

Meanwhile, both Mumbai Indians an Gujarat Titans are yet to make a statement over the trade. If it does go through, Pandya will become only the third captain to be traded in IPL history.