Mumbai Indians to Reacquire Hardik Pandya Ahead of IPL 2024 Auction
As per multiple reports, Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya is set to rejoin his former Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Mumbai Indians, ahead of the IPL 2024 auctions.
Pandya, who began his IPL career as an uncapped player with MI, spent six successful seasons with the five-time champions before being released ahead of a major player auction. After two seasons with Gujarat Titans, where he served as captain, Pandya is now set to make a return to MI, according to ESPNCricinfo.
The move back to his former team will have significant implications for Mumbai Indians, affecting their squad balance, captaincy, and IPL 2024 auction purse. This potential transfer is set to be the biggest player trade in terms of money in the history of the IPL.
Reports indicate that MI is prepared to pay a hefty sum of INR 15 crores to bring Pandya back from Gujarat Titans, matching the salary he was picked up for in 2021. This substantial investment will undoubtedly impact Mumbai Indians’ auction purse for IPL 2024, as they will need to release players to afford Pandya and have funds remaining for additional signings at the auction.
The upcoming mini auction for IPL 2024 is scheduled to take place in Dubai on December 19, 2023. With the deadline to announce player retentions and releases approaching on November 26, Sunday, all eyes will be on Mumbai Indians as they navigate the upcoming moves in the lead-up to the auction.