Everyone’s attention was drawn to Hardik Pandya’s high-profile move from his old organization, the Mumbai Indians, to the Gujarat Titans, the reigning IPL champions. Gujarat Titans won the 2022 Indian Premier League under Hardik Pandya and finished second in 2023. The biggest news following the revelation of the list of players who had been retained by the 10 IPL clubs was a surprise switch to the Mumbai Indians, where Hardik Pandya first gained recognition.
It has recently been revealed that Mohammed Shami, another star, would soon leave the Gujarat Titans, along with Hardik Pandya. Gujarat Titans Chief Operating Officer Colonel Arvinder Singh said in a News18 interview that a team had also been in touch with their top wicket-taker, Mohammed Shami.
Colonel Arvinder Singh stated in the video: “It is the power of every franchise to pursue elite players. The incorrect thing to do is to approach a player directly from an IPL franchise. The GT team management is unhappy with the strategy and believes that its execution is incorrect. The BCCI’s policy on player trade odds and how to notify them of your interest by expressing it to them will be communicated to us. Next, it’s a franchise decision. It is incorrect that this IPL squad sought our coaching staff. They had the option to speak with us in advance if they desired the transfer. Later on, we learned about the strategy.”
Earlier, Pandya’s role in the team’s accomplishments over the previous two seasons was recognized by GT Team Director Vikram Solanki.
“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,” Solanki was reported to have said in a statement.
He now says he wants to play for his old team, the Mumbai Indians. The former England batter went on, “We accept his choice and wish him all the very best in his future undertakings.
Having collaborated closely with Gill, Solanki acknowledged his maturity.
“Over the past two years, Shubman Gill has demonstrated growth in stature and status at the highest level of the game. In cricket, we’ve watched him develop as a leader as well as a hitter,” Solanki said.
“His maturity and skill is evident in his on-field performance and we are extremely excited to embark on a new journey with a young leader like Shubman at the helm,” the head of the GT head stated.
With the certainty of Hardik Pandya Pandya’s departure, 24-year-old opener Shubman Gill emerged as the captain of choice. He had earned the coveted ‘orange cap’ in the previous season with 890 runs, which was only surpassed by Virat Kohli’s 973 career total. “I thank the Gujarat Titans for putting their trust in me to lead such a great squad. I am thrilled and happy to take over as captain. We’ve enjoyed two fantastic seasons, and I’m excited to lead the squad in our thrilling style of cricket,” a statement from Gill said.
Pandya, for his part, vented his feelings on ‘X,’ the former Twitter.
“It reminds me of so many amazing times. Paltan, Wankhede, Mumbai. It feels fantastic to be back,” Pandya said about “X” in a video that showed the Mumbai Indians his whole journey.
Shami had a great World Cup and losing him at this position will be a heavy blow to the GT management. He can turn the game at any point and will be the player to watch out in the tournament.