'As big a coup as is possible' - Harsha Bhogle on Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians transfer

Trades in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are not new but very few have been able to grab much spotlight. However, the reports of Hardik Pandya's sensational return to his first IPL franchise - Mumbai Indians has grabbed the headlines ahead of the November 26 deadline for announcing player retentions.

Legendary commentator Harsha Bhogle has opened up on star all-rounder's return to Mumbai Indians after doubts had emerged on whether Gujarat Titans would be willing to trade their first captain.

"When I first got a whiff of the Hardik Pandya transfer back to @mipaltan, I didn't think it would actually happen. It was too big a move and he had produced stellar results at @gujarat_titans. But it is on and if he stays fit, it will be as big a coup as is possible in the #TATAIPL," Bhogle said in a post on his official 'X' handle.

As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, Hardik is set to return to the five-time IPL-winning franchise in what is going to be an all-cash trade. Mumbai will be paying the full amount of Hardik's salary, which is INR 15 crore, and an undisclosed transfer fee to the Titans. The 30-year-old is likely to earn half of the transfer fee.

Hardik went to Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2022 and the franchise bestowed leadership responsibility on him. He did a splendid job in his first season as he led his team to the title and also won the Player of the Match award in the final. In 2023, Hardik took his team to the final and if not for a last-ball boundary from Ravindra Jadeja, he would have joined an elite list of players who have won more than one IPL title as captain.

However, as all good things come to an end, it seems that the Baroda all-rounder's tenure with the Titans is about to conclude. Mumbai Indians' fans won't complain as they are going to get back one of their all-time greats. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to make the announcement on (November 25 or 26.