Cricket News: Fans react on social media after reports say Hardik Pandya will be traded from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024
There is rarely a quiet day in Indian cricket. The latest example is the huge news that surfaced on Friday, with a report by ESPNcricinfo claiming that Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya is set to make a shock move back to Mumbai Indians for the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
According to the report, the deal is an all-cash trade with Mumbai Indians to pay INR 15 crore (approx. US$1.8 million), which is Hardik’s salary. There will also be an undisclosed transfer fee paid to the Titans as part of the deal. The all-rounder will earn 50% of this fee.
The news has certainly come as a surprise to fans. Hardik enjoyed immediate success at Gujarat Titans, both as an all-rounder and captain. He led them to the title in their first season in 2022 and came within a whisker of successfully defending that title in 2023. They just fell short against Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling final.
Reactions: Fans in disbelief over report that Hardik Pandya will be traded from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians
Even before the trade is even confirmed, fans are in disbelief that it is even a possibility. Should the deal go through, Hardik will return to the franchise he won four titles with in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Shubman Gill could be named as the new Gujarat Titans if Hardik makes the move. Or Kane Williamson.
“There is absolutely ZERO cricketing merit in a franchise letting go of the only & the best pace bowling allrounder in the country, who also happens to be a title winning captain and nearly defended the title, along with being a local boy,” tweeted a fan.
“There is definitely more to it than what meets the eye and we’ll probably never know the actual reasons due to which GT agreed to this trade.“
Here are some of the best reactions to the news that has come through regarding IPL 2024, including reports MI may release Cameron Green and Jofra Archer to create extra funds.