In a shock move, Hardik Pandya is likely to return to Mumbai Indians. Apparently, Gujarat Titans have traded Hardik Pandya to 5-time champions Mumbai Indians. Pandya was a crucial member of Mumbai Indians’ title-winning sides on multiple occasions. After that, the all-rounder led Gujarat Titans to the title in their inaugural season and impressed everyone with his leadership skills. Now that he’s likely back in Mumbai, let’s take a look at 3 reasons why his return to his former franchise is a good move.
1. An All-Round Option
Hardik Pandya is a top-class all-rounder and that’s why he is a smart trade for Mumbai Indians. Mumbai had great depth in their lineup when they won the league consecutively in 2019 and 2020. Hardik Pandya was a key batter in the middle order and as a bowler, he provided depth to the team combination. After his departure, Mumbai Indians lacked a quality all-rounder who could contribute both with his bat and ball. The last two seasons have been sub-par for the former champions and this addition will be very instrumental in building a champion unit once again.
2. An Indian player of the highest order
To win the most competitive franchise league in the world, IPL, a team needs a solid core of Indian players. Mumbai Indians ruled the league in the last few seasons because they had a very competitive core of Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Krunal Pandya. Some of these players had to be released because of the mega auctions which significantly weakened the side. Now with this trade Mumbai Indians’ management has tried to address this issue and bring back Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder will surely elevate the quality of the side.
3. A Potential Leader
Hardik Pandya has proved his leadership skills in the last couple of seasons with Gujarat Titans. The all-rounder from Baroda led the Titans to the title in their first-ever season and followed it up with another entry in the finals. As a team, Mumbai Indians are entering a phase where they will have to think about the transition of leadership because Rohit Sharma, who led the side to 5 titles, is in the twilight period of his career. In that light, Hardik Pandya can be a great alternative to hand over the leadership responsibilities.
Also read: 3 reasons why Gujarat Titans will miss Hardik Pandya in IPL 2024