Hardik Pandya penned an emotional goodbye message for the Gujarat Titans fans and team management on Monday after it was confirmed that the all-rounder has made a move to the Mumbai Indians, his first IPL franchise.
On Monday, all the news were officially confirmed by the IPL and the franchises – about Hardik Pandya moving back to MI, about Cameron Green being traded to RCB, and about Shubman Gill becoming the new GT captain.
After captaining GT in two seasons – taking them to two IPL finals and winning one trophy – Pandya has returned to MI, where he spent 7 years and won 4 IPL trophies.
While Hardik’s salary of INR 15 crore will remain the same, he will get a bumper additional fee – Hardik is entitled to 50 percent of the transfer fee agreed between GT and MI. Plus, not to forget, the lucrative endorsement offers Pandya might have already gotten from MI.
Taking to Twitter, Hardik posted an emotional message for the GT fans and management.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the fans, team, and management at Gujarat Titans. Being part of the team and leading it has been an absolute honour, and I am immensely thankful for the love and encouragement my family and I have received as a player and as an individual. The memories and experiences with GT will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for the unforgettable journey,” Hardik Pandya posted on Twitter.
“Hardik Pandya expressed a desire to return to his original team Mumbai Indians”
It has now been revealed that it was indeed Hardik Pandya who told GT about his desire to go back to MI.
Vikram Solanki, the Director of Cricket at Gujarat Titans, revealed that it was Hardik who wanted to return to MI.
“As the first captain of Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya has helped the franchise deliver two fantastic seasons that resulted in winning one IPL championship and one appearance in the final. He has now expressed a desire to return to his original team Mumbai Indians. We respect his decision and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.” Solanki said.
