Top Five reasons why Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians could turn out to be wrong

Hardik Pandya is set to be nearing a move back to Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2024 season. This sensational news was broken late last night and was confirmed by many news providers early Saturday morning.

As per the reports the deal is going to be an all-cash trade with Mumbai Indians rumored to pay around INR 15 Crores. The 30-year-old had left Mumbai Indians after the IPL 2021 season when he was released by the men in blue and gold.

In this article, we take a closer look at why this move by Hardik Pandya could turn to be wrong at this stage of his career.

Competition for places with Cameron Green –

Australian Cameron Green was Mumbai Indians top all-rounder during the IPL 2023 season. The 24-year-old’s century versus Sunrisers Hyderabad helped Mumbai pip Bangalore to reach the play-offs. The return of Hardik Pandya will mean the 30-year Indian star will be competing for the all-rounders position with the young Australian.

Rohit Sharma likely to lead Mumbai Indians next season-

The Mumbai Indians franchise will want to retain Rohit Sharma as the skipper of the side next season. The 36-year-old led India to the ODI World Cup 2023 final and his captaincy stocks are at an all-time high. The best time for Hardik Pandya to get the Mumbai Indians captaincy will be during the IPL 2025 season.

No more spotlight on Hardik Pandya –

When Hardik Pandya became the number 1 pick for Gujarat Titans, the 30-year-old was already a superstar cricketer. In Mumbai Indians there are many other players who will take the spotlight away from Hardik Pandya. The five-time winners have Rohit Sharma, as well as Jasprit Bumrah, who are huge match-winners for their side.

Past Comments about Mumbai Indians –

There was a major controversy during the IPL 2023 season when Hardik Pandya spoke about the Mumbai Indians. According to the then Gujarat Titans skipper said that Mumbai Indians buy stars whereas Chennai Super Kings create them. Rohit Sharma came up with a sarcastic response to the comment by Hardik Pandya. The Mumbai Indians crowd though did not like the statement, and the fans shall still remember the comment by Hardik Pandya.

Likely move down the batting order –

At Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya was batting at number 3. Mumbai Indians have a settled top four with Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav. Mumbai will also have to accommodate Cameron Green and Tim David into their line-up.

This would mean that either Tilak Varma, Cameron Green, or Tim David will have to be sacrificed. Hardik Pandya batting at number 6 or 7 doesn’t make sense since he will want to be a huge player in the new-look Mumbai Indians side.