When Mumbai Indians decided to release Hardik Pandya in 2021 ahead of the mega auction, it was out of compulsion, not by choice. It was imminent that the all-rounder would return to the franchise that brought him into the limelight at the first opportunity.
Each franchise was allowed to retain four players and Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Kieron Pollard were the obvious choices. It came down to a toss-up between Hardik and Suryakumar Yadav and the Mumbai Indians management voted for the explosive batter. Surya has since proved that preferring him over Hardik wasn’t a wrong decision.
But Mumbai Indians refused to give up on their hope for Hardik. The retirement of Pollard had opened up a hole in their playing XI. The team felt the absence of an all-rounder and it showed in their dismal performance during the last three years.
Cameron Green was thought to be a like-for-like replacement for the West Indian, but he failed to adjust to the conditions, forcing them to go all out for Hardik, who as the captain had played a key role in the Gujarat Titans finishing champions and runners-up in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Hardik too was equally keen to return. Time and again he has lauded the facilities at the franchise while also not forgetting to mention how well they looked after their players. It was here that he began his journey after being bought for Rs 10 lakh as an uncapped player in 2015.
“There are two types of success you can get. One is get the best people possible from A to B which MI had those few years (2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 when they won the title)... or have the best environment possible for you to win which has been a CSK type...” Hardik said last season.
Vikram Solanki, the Titans’ director of cricket, admitted Hardik was keen to return to Mumbai. “He has now expressed a desire to return to his original team Mumbai Indians. We respect his decision and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours,” Solanki was quoted as saying in a release.
While Mumbai Indians will now need to pay Rs 15 crore to Pandya for the all-cash trade, Gujarat Titans will receive an extra amount as a transfer fee for releasing the all-rounder. Pandya is entitled to up to 50 per cent of the surplus money, which remains undisclosed.
Discussions about Hardik’s return had started since the end of IPL 2023 and it gathered momentum during the World Cup. There was talk that Mumbai Indians could even trade Rohit Sharma for Hardik though the franchise remained tightlipped on the issue.
Hardik’s return has opened the leadership debate at Mumbai Indians. Will Rohit remain captain or will Hardik take over the mantle in IPL 2024?
Mumbai Indians have always been a franchise which envisages long-term possibilities. By having Hardik, 30, in their ranks they are contemplating a smooth transition from Rohit to Hardik at the appropriate time.
There are no indications that Rohit, 36, could be dislodged soon. Mumbai Indians are known to respect the players’ contribution and it is only logical that nothing will be done without Rohit’s consent.
“This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back. #OneFamily @mumbaiindians,” said Hardik on Instagram.
“It is a happy homecoming. He provides great balance to any team he plays,” said team owner Akash Ambani.
Mumbai Indians, who had limited funds in their salary cap, needed to free up resources to acquire Pandya which delayed the formal announcement.
They traded Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore in an all-cash, one-way deal and also released Jofra Archer (Rs 8 crore) among the big names to generate funds for the auction activities. They now have 17.75 in their available funds. Going into the auction, each franchise will be granted an additional fund of Rs 5 crore.
