Hardik Pandya all set to return to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade with Gujarat Titans: report

Team India's vice-captain Hardik Pandya is at the centre of the biggest trading news ahead of this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) auction as the Gujarat Titans skipper could be on his way out and is being linked with a potential return to Mumbai Indians.

According to an ESPN Cricinfo report, Pandya will be traded by the 2022 IPL Champions for an all-cash trade of Rs. 15 crore. The gigantic sum of money will reportedly count as as Hardik's salary and an undisclosed transfer fee to Titans.

If the deal goes through, it is likely to be the biggest player trade in the history of the tournament.

But, neither franchises have publicly commented on this reported exchange. It will only be confirmed by the BCCI on November 26 i.e. Sunday when the retention deadline expires at 4 PM IST.

With the IPL Governing Council increasing the purse by an additional Rs 5 crore, Mumbai have Rs 5.50 crore (up from the existing Rs 50 lakh purse) unless they release some of their big buys for Hardik ahead of the mini auction in December.

Hardik began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians in 2015 before being released in 2021. The following year, he led Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title.

(with PTI inputs)