The Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra made a shocking revelation on Hardik Pandya's departure to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024. With just few days to the 17th edition of the IPL, Nehra revealed he didn't try to persuade Hardik Pandya to stay with Gujarat Titans. This news comes after a major IPL 2024 trade saw Pandya return to his former team Mumbai Indians for a sum of Rs 15 crore. The move surprised many as Pandya had joined Gujarat Titans in 2022 and was appointed captain.
Leading by example, Pandya played an instrumental role in Gujarat's success. He captained them to a championship win in their debut season, scoring over 400 runs and contributing with crucial wickets. His impressive form continued in the following season, guiding the Titans to the IPL 2023 finals before falling short against Chennai Super Kings. With such a successful stint, many expected him to continue leading Gujarat. However, his departure to Mumbai Indians became the biggest trade story of IPL 2024.
Hardik Pandya's return to Mumbai Indians wasn't just a homecoming, it came with a promotion. The franchise replaced Rohit Sharma as captain, entrusting the leadership reins to the all-rounder. This move holds significance for Pandya, who began his IPL career with Mumbai in 2014 and remained with them until 2021.
Ashish Nehra finally speaks on Hardik Pandya's MI move
Following the trade, Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra offered his first public comments. He acknowledged the changing dynamics of the sport, suggesting that similar high-profile player movements might become more common.
“I never tried to convince Hardik to stay back. The way this sport is moving, we will see more such transfers like it happens in soccer’s international club market,” Nehra told PTI
In a video released by the Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya expressed his excitement about returning to the team for IPL 2024. He described wearing the team's blue colors as a privilege and promised the fans a season they won't forget.
“The feeling of wearing this colour is very special for me. The journey started here, coming back home and playing is always going to be special. We will make sure we will play a brand of cricket which all will be proud of and at the same point of time it’s going to be a ride no one will forget,” Nehra concluded.
The Mumbai Indians are gearing up for IPL 2024 with their pre-season training camp in full swing. Captain Hardik Pandya leads the charge, putting in the effort to secure a record-breaking sixth IPL title for the franchise.
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