Hardik Pandya, the talented all-rounder from Star India, is close to leaving his current team, Gujarat Titans (GT). According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, there is a possibility that he might rejoin his former franchise, Mumbai Indians, for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In a monetary trade, the Mumbai Indians have agreed to pay a salary of INR 15 crore to the 30-year-old player. Additionally, they will also give an undisclosed transfer fee to the Titans.
If the transfer actually happens, it would be considered the biggest player trade in the IPL’s history. Currently, neither of the franchises involved has confirmed the move officially.
Here are three reasons why Hardik Pandya should not be traded to the Mumbai Indians:
3. Star Player and Leader of Gujarat Titans
Hardik Pandya is the current captain of the Gujarat Titans, and he has already guided the team to two finals and one championship. He was the pack’s leader, and he constructed the side to suit his demands. The players appeared at ease with him at the wheel and trusted their captain.
As a result, Hardik’s move to Mumbai may be detrimental to his brand value and leadership qualifications. At the same time, it will be a significant loss for Gujarat, who will now have to go on with a new mentality in the following seasons.
2. Rohit Sharma is still Mumbai Indians’ captain
In the current situation, Rohit Sharma remains the captain of Mumbai Indians. The five-time IPL champions have no intention of removing him from the position and making Hardik the captain instead.
Therefore, it is not logical for Hardik Pandya to join a team where he would simply be one of many players, rather than the leader.
It will be a significant step down for a guy who was the face and leader of a franchise to be simply a normal team member, especially given Hardik’s future role as captain of India’s limited overs sides.
3. Cameron Green is Mumbai Indians’ all-rounder
Last season, the big-ticket acquisition for the Mumbai Indians was Cameron Green. He and Tim David were the side’s finishers, and they proved to be acceptable substitutes for Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya.
It would be fascinating to see what role Hardik receives now that the Mumbai Indians have a well-balanced team. Over the previous two years, Hardik batted in the top order for the Gujarat Titans and also bowled the new ball. He was the team’s leading all-rounder and may not be as effective for the Mumbai Indians now that Cameron Green is in the lineup.
