Hardik Pandya, captain of Gujarat Titans, is set to move over to Mumbai Indians for 2024 in what will be a significant shift for the Indian Premier League.

Mumbai Indians, five-time winners, plan on offering INR15 crores as a signing fee to secure his services before the December 19 player auction.

Aakash Chopra, a former cricketer himself, outlined on YouTube why an all-rounder like himself should not join Mumbai Indians without receiving captaincy of their side.

“Rumours have circulated that Hardik will move to Mumbai. Gujarat has yet to give any official confirmation of this; however, as Hardik won his one match and made it to the final, Gujarat is likely to release him and make way for him in Mumbai if that were indeed to occur.

Would Hardik become Mumbai Captain upon leaving? Aakash alluded to this possibility on his YouTube channel.”

Hardik Pandya’s departure is inevitable; no smoke indicates a fire. Rohit Sharma could also make a move – “Is that possible? I don’t know,” was Rohit’s answer when asked if going back to GT was possible.

Pandya has been injured and will not participate in the India-Australia T20I series. Pandya fell while bowling in India’s World Cup match 2023 against Bangladesh, rendering him unable to continue participating.

Pandya would need to release approximately Rs 10 crores before initiating any trade successfully. Mumbai potentially opted to release players such as Jofra Archer, Cameron Green, and Ishan Kishan, purchased at higher costs as potential assets.

Hardik won the IPL with Mumbai Indians four times before being sold to Titans for INR 15 million from a player pool auction.

Released before the mega auction 2022, Hardik shone with bat and ball for the new team 2022, winning the Player of Match award at the final.

However, the last edition proved more challenging. Hardik was less consistent with the bat/ball/bowling combo in 2023, becoming inconsistent during the run to the final.

Hardik Pandya is widely predicted to become India’s next white-ball captain. He could potentially take over Mumbai Indians when Rohit Sharma retires in 2024.

Kane Williamson, currently playing with Gujarat Titans and eligible to lead Mumbai Indians should he move there, could fill in as captain should Hardik move over there.

Mumbai Indians must have enough funds for Hardik before auction day in 2024. Under team regulations, up to INR 5 crore may be spent extra for that season – and Mumbai may release big-name players like Jofra Archer before then to afford him.

Hardik’s signing for Mumbai Indians will mark one of the most significant transfers ever seen in IPL history. The third captain to change teams, following Ajikya Rahane from Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals and Ravichandran Ashwin switching sides after leaving Punjab Kings.

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