This is the manner in which Hardik Pandya was sent to the Mumbai Indians even though the Gujarat Titans had him on their retention list.

Undoubtedly, the most significant development in the cricket community on Sunday, November 26, was the news of Hardik Pandya comeback to the Mumbai Indians. The official broadcaster first announced the Gujarat Titans’ decision to keep the all-around player. But a few hours later, he was reportedly officially traded to Mumbai, according to reports.

It makes sense that this decision caused a great deal of bewilderment among the fans. Given that the retention date had already passed, many people doubted that the deal could actually happen. But since the trading window was open when the papers were signed, the trade was truly feasible. The mini-auction is set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on December 19. In actuality, the trading window will remain open for business until one week prior to that date.

Remarkably, every trade that takes place between the teams will be considered legitimate within the trade window. And thus, it came to pass that Hardik Pandya was leaving the Gujarat Titans. Concerns had also been raised about payment arrangements made for the player after the retention deadline had passed. Still, MI had to let go of Cameron Green and trade him to Royal Challengers Bangalore in order to pay Hardik INR 15 crore.

The 30-year-old might return to the team he won four titles with during his previous six-year tenure, to keep things simple, given that the trading window was and is still open.

Together with Ravichandran Ashwin (Punjab Kings to Delhi Capitals) and Ajinkya Rahane (Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals), Hardik Pandya became the third captain to be traded from a team with this deal.

Following the all-rounder’s dismissal, the Gujarat Titans had to designate a captain for the 2024 season of the lucrative tournament. They named 24-year-old Shubman Gill as their choice.