IPL 2024 Retention: Hardik Pandya Stays with Gujarat Titans Amidst Links With Mumbai Indians

IPL 2024: The IPL future of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya hangs in the balance despite being retained by the Gujarat Titans (GT) for the upcoming IPL 2024 auction.

Persistent rumors suggest a potential trade to the Mumbai Indians (MI), with a decision on Pandya’s fate expected before the trading window closes on December 19, just a week before the auction.

Even after the auction concludes, the prospect of a trade remains viable until the start of the next IPL season. Initial reports hinted at MI’s willingness to pay INR 15 crore (approximately $1.8 million) for Pandya, but the latest updates indicate lingering uncertainty about the all-rounder’s future.

Having joined the Titans in 2022, Pandya played a pivotal role in leading them to an impressive IPL title victory in their inaugural season. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award in the 2022 IPL final, where GT emerged victorious against the Rajasthan Royals.

In the 2023 IPL season, Pandya’s Titans narrowly missed clinching the title, finishing as runners-up to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a captivating final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Hardik Pandya commenced his IPL journey with MI in 2015, contributing significantly to the team’s success over six seasons. During his tenure with MI, he played a vital role in their IPL triumphs in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. However, following a subpar 2021 season, MI chose to release him.

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With an impressive record in 123 IPL matches, Hardik has showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, accumulating 2309 runs at an average of 30.38 and a striking rate of 145.86, including 10 half-centuries. His bowling skills have also been crucial, securing 53 wickets throughout his IPL career.

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