Ahmedabad: Amid speculation that as many as five franchises, including Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are keen to bring all-rounder Hardik Pandya into their squads as his association with Mumbai Indians (MI) appears to be nearing an end, a new twist has emerged in the saga.
Hardik reportedly wants to return to Gujarat Titans (GT), and the franchise is also believed to be willing to welcome him back. However, negotiations are understood to have broken down because of one condition reportedly put forward by Hardik.
Negotiations Were on the Verge of Success…
Hardik’s discussions with the Gujarat Titans owners had reportedly reached a decisive stage when his alleged condition became unacceptable to the franchise.
Current Captain Gill Also Said ‘Yes’ to Hardik
Gujarat Titans made their IPL debut in 2022 and created history by winning the title in their very first season under Hardik’s captaincy. The following year, in 2023, GT finished runners-up under Hardik’s leadership.
However, Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians in 2024 and was appointed captain in place of Rohit Sharma, a controversial decision that continues to be discussed.
Now, with Hardik reportedly keen to return to Gujarat Titans, the approach of current captain Shubman Gill is also believed to be positive. Gill is understood to have given the GT owners the go-ahead for Hardik’s comeback.
Negotiations Collapse
However, Hardik Pandya reportedly indicated that he would be willing to return to Gujarat Titans only if the captaincy were handed back to him. This is believed to have led to the breakdown of negotiations between Hardik and the GT franchise.
Captaincy Condition Became the Deal-Breaker?
In other words, reports suggest that a deal between Hardik and the Gujarat Titans management was close to being finalised over his potential comeback, but his alleged demand for the captaincy became the deal-breaker.
What Has Hardik’s Camp Said?
However, sources from Hardik’s camp have reportedly clarified that Hardik has not held any direct discussions with any IPL franchise regarding a transfer trade.