Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has made a sensational move from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), sources have revealed. Despite being included in the retention list provided by the Gujarat Titans, the trade was completed after the initial deadline for retention had passed. While the retention deadline concluded on November 26, the trading window will remain open until December 12, allowing for the completion of this trade. The deal is believed to be an all-cash transaction, with no other players involved in the trade for Pandya.
Previously, Pandya had played for the Mumbai Indians for seven seasons before being released ahead of the 2022 season. However, after joining the Gujarat Titans, Pandya led the team to consecutive IPL finals, including winning the trophy in their inaugural season.
Ahead of the upcoming IPL season, the Mumbai Indians have released notable players such as England pacer Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan. Archer, who was expected to perform at his best and guide the Mumbai Indians to their sixth title, had his season hampered by injuries, resulting in underwhelming performances. In just five matches, he managed to take only two wickets and struggled against opposition batsmen.
In addition to Archer and Jordan, several other players have been released by the Mumbai Indians, including Indian players Arshad Khan, Ramandeep Singh, Hrithik Shokeen, Raghav Goyal, and Sandeep Warrier, who was brought in as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah last year. South African youngsters Tristan Stubbs and Duan Jansen, as well as Australian pacer Riley Meredith, have also been released.
Despite the departures, the Mumbai Indians have retained their core group of players and talents such as Cameron Green, Nehal Wadhera, Dewald Brevis, Shams Mulani, Jason Behrendorff, and Vishnu Vinod.
In the previous season, the Mumbai Indians reached the playoffs but were defeated by the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.
(With inputs from ANI)
