India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has written a heartfelt goodbye note to Gujarat Titans after his trade to Mumbai Indians, expressing his gratitude to the team and their fans. Mumbai Indians had to make a tough decision due to financial constraints, resulting in the trade of Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore before the retention deadline.
Pandya, who captained GT for two seasons and led them to victory in 2022, shared his appreciation for his time with the Titans, emphasizing the special place they hold in his heart. He reflected on the unforgettable memories and experiences with GT, thanking the fans, team, and management.
The move makes Pandya one of the few captains to be traded in the IPL, following in the footsteps of players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane who experienced similar trades in 2020. Starting his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians in 2015, Pandya played a crucial role in their victories in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. After a challenging season in 2021, MI released him, leading to his stint with Gujarat Titans.
In his IPL career spanning 123 matches, Pandya has showcased his all-around prowess, amassing 2309 runs at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 145.86. He has also taken 53 wickets, highlighting his versatility and skills in the T20 format. As he returns to the Mumbai Indians, Pandya looks forward to making a significant impact in the upcoming IPL season.