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‘As big a coup as is possible’ – Indian cricket stunned by Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians transfer reports

After leading the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title in 2022 and a final in 2023, Hardik Pandya is reportedly set to strike a trade deal with Mumbai Indians.

The world of Indian cricket has been left stunned by reports that Hardik Pandya is set to complete a trade deal from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians for an undisclosed fee, the first move of its size in IPL history.

Rumours began circulating on Friday, November 24, and became more solid throughout the day, with ESPNcricinfo among those reporting that Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to the title in their first season as an IPL club in 2022, would soon be moving back home to Mumbai. Gujarat Titans fell just short of defending their crown this year, beaten by Chennai Super Kings in the final.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the deal will be an all-cash trade, with Mumbai Indians paying Pandya’s salary of INR 15 crore, as well as an undisclosed fee to Gujarat Titans. Pandya is reportedly set to receive up to half of the fee as part of the deal.

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It has been speculated that there is more to the trade “than what meets the eye”, given Pandya’s worth and stature in Indian cricket. Domestic players of Pandya’s calibre rarely feature in IPL auctions, but given Ben Stokes was sold for INR 16.5 crore in the 2022 auction, and that Pandya is younger with a more proven track record and doesn’t occupy an overseas spot, a fee in excess of INR 20 crore could have been a possibility.

Esteemed Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle described the move as “as big a coup as is possible” in the IPL.

Captain trades have happened before in the IPL, with R Ashwin switching from Punjab Kings to Delhi Capitals in 2020, and Ajinkya Rahane moving from Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals in 2020, but neither compares to this for magnitude.

The move is also noteworthy from the point of view of the India national team. Pandya has been India’s de facto T20I captain, with Rohit Sharma, nominally the all-formats captain, not playing a T20I since India’s semi-final thrashing by England in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Both will represent Mumbai Indians next year, and if they continue to struggle, pressure could mount on Rohit.

Up until 2020 the most successful side in IPL history, with five titles, Mumbai Indians have since failed to threaten the latter stages of the tournament. Chennai Super Kings drew level with their tally of trophies in the 2023 edition, winning their second title in three years. A group stage exit in 2021 was followed by a last-placed finish in 2022, and while they improved to make the playoffs last time out, that still leaves them with a win/loss ratio of 0.83 in the last three seasons.

Pandya began his IPL career at Mumbai Indians, signing as an uncapped player for INR 10 lakhs in the 2015 auction, and going on to establish himself as one of the best all-rounders in the world. He was released ahead of the 2021 mega-auction and signed by Gujarat Titans as one of three marquee players.

The next IPL auction will be held on December 19, with November 26 the reported date for franchises to announce retentions and releases.

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‘As big a coup as is possible’ – Indian cricket stunned by Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians transfer reports ‘As big a coup as is possible’ – Indian cricket stunned by Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians transfer reports Reviewed by aamira sultan on November 25, 2023 Rating: 5

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