'Most loyal Gujarati ever' - Netizens react as Gujarat Titans retain Hardik Pandya amidst transfer rumors
In the recently concluded IPL retentions process Hardik Pandya was retained by Gujarat Titans
In a dramatic twist, Gujarat Titans (GT) have opted to retain the stellar Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, despite swirling speculations linking him to a potential move back to the Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the IPL Auction 2024. Hardik's legacy with the Titans began in 2022 when he steered the squad to a triumphant debut IPL season, notably clinching the Player of the Match award in a scintillating final clash against the Rajasthan Royals. The subsequent year witnessed Titans making a valiant run to the IPL summit clash under him, but ultimately settling as runners-up to the Chennai Super Kings.
The potential move would have marked a rare instance of a captain being traded, reminiscent of earlier exchanges like Ravichandran Ashwin's shift from Punjab Kings to Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals' trade of Ajinkya Rahane to Delhi Capitals in 2020. The Gujarat all-rounder's IPL journey commenced with the Mumbai Indians in 2015, initially signed as an uncapped prospect for Rs 10 lakhs. His impactful contributions played a pivotal role in Mumbai's championship triumphs in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.
Despite being released by MI ahead of the 2022 mega auction, the franchise opted to retain other stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Kieron Pollard, leading to fervent speculation about a potential return for Hardik. Such a comeback, however, would now only materialize through a player-to-player trade.
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