All-rounder Hardik Pandya said, “It feels good to be back,” in a throwback video he posted. Following his official trade from Gujarat Titans (GT) to Mumbai Indians (MI). The team he started his Indian Premier League (IPL) career with in 2015.
Recalling his first auction purchase for INR 10 lakh by the Mumbai Indians, Pandya took to social media X. “It reminds me of so many amazing times. Paltan, Wankhede, Mumbai. It’s nice to be back,” he posted on X.
Shortly after the official announcement, Pandya returned to the five-time champions after a two-year absence. In case you missed it, MI released Hardik shortly before the big IPL 2022 auction
Hardik Pandya returns to Mumbai Indians.
An announcement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) stated, “Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT), is set to return to his first franchise, the Mumbai Indians, following a trade between the two franchises.”
The all-round player led GT’s campaign with skill during his two unforgettable years there. Hardik made sure that GT had a dream start in 2022, as the team won the coveted trophy. However, in their second season, they came in second after losing in a thrilling last-ball final earlier in the year.
Hardik amassed 833 runs at an average of 37.86 and a strike rate of over 133 in 31 games for GT. He also recorded six half-centuries and a career-high score of 87*. In addition, he took 11 wickets for the team, his best total being 3/17.
In addition, Hardik participated in 92 MI games between 2015 and 2021, amassing 1,476 runs at an average of 27.33 and a strike rate exceeding 153, including four half-centuries and a career-high score of 91. Along with taking 42 wickets for the team, he had the best bowling stats (3/20). Pandya has five IPL trophies to his name; he won four of them with MI in 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022.
The return of one of their top players for the IPL 2024 excited team owners Nita and Akash Ambani as well.
In a statement by MI, Nita M Ambani, owner of the franchise said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It is a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indians family! From being a young scouted talent of Mumbai Indians to now being a team India star, Hardik has come a long way and we’re excited for what the future holds for him and Mumbai Indians!”
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