The Impact of ‘Royal Challengers Bangalore’ on Hardik Pandya’s Comeback to Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have successfully secured Hardik Pandya in a trade deal with the Gujarat Titans, marking one of the biggest trades in the history of the Indian Premier League. The deal was made for an all-cash amount of INR 15 crore, the same price tag that Gujarat Titans had paid to acquire Hardik for their first-ever IPL season in 2022. However, the trade wouldn’t have been possible without the involvement of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Prior to the trade, Mumbai Indians had announced their list of retained players, leaving them with INR 15.25 crore in their remaining purse and 8 vacant spots in their squad. If they had acquired Hardik directly from the Gujarat Titans, they would have had a meager sum of INR 25 lakh left for the IPL 2023 auction. Fortunately, the Royal Challengers Bangalore bought Cameron Green from Mumbai Indians in an all-cash deal, providing Mumbai with the necessary cushion for the Hardik trade.

The transfer of Green significantly boosted Mumbai’s purse, allowing them to retain a total of INR 17.75 crore despite securing Hardik. Currently, the Mumbai Indians have 17 players in their squad, one less than the minimum requirement set by the IPL. They have the capacity to fill 8 more player slots, with the option to purchase a maximum of 2 overseas players.

It is worth mentioning that Hardik Pandya had made his IPL debut with the Mumbai Indians back in 2015. During his tenure with the team from 2015 to 2021, he played 92 matches, scoring 1,476 runs at an average of 27.33 and a strike rate of over 153. He also took 42 wickets for the team, with his best bowling figures being 3/20.

The acquisition of Hardik Pandya is undoubtedly a significant move for the Mumbai Indians, and the involvement of the Royal Challengers Bangalore played a crucial role in making it possible. With the trade completed, Mumbai Indians are now in a strong position heading into the IPL 2023 auction, with substantial funds remaining to further strengthen their squad.

(With ANI Inputs)