GT confirm Gill as new captain; MI confirm Hardik's return

In the wake of the departure of their skipper Hardik Pandya, the 2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans have named the 24-year-old Shubman Gill as the captain. In a video posted on X, the franchise confirmed that Gill would be the leader of the side for the upcoming season. 

"I am delighted and proud to assume the captaincy of Gujarat Titans and thank the franchise for their trust in me to lead such a fine team," Gill said. "We have had two exceptional seasons and I keenly look forward to leading the team with our exciting brand of cricket.

"Shubman Gill has shown growth in stature and standing over the last two years at the highest level of the game. We've seen him mature not only as a batter but also as a leader in cricket. His contribution on the field has helped Gujarat Titans emerge as a formidable force, guiding the team through a successful campaign in 2022 and a strong run in 2023," Titans' Director of Cricket, Vikram Solanki, said on Gill's appointment.

"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."

Hardik Pandya back to MI

Earlier in the week, five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians were discussing with Gujarat over an all-cash trade deal for their skipper Hardik. It has now been confirmed that the all-rounder has exited the franchise, with Mumbai now confirming his return back home. 

“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,” said Vikram Solanki, Director of Cricket.

“Seeing Hardik back at Mumbai Indians makes me very happy. It is a happy homecoming. He provides great balance to any team he plays. Hardik’s first stint with the MI family was hugely successful, and we hope he achieves even more success in his second stint," Mumbai Indians' owner Akash Ambani said in a post on X. 

𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 💙#OneFamily pic.twitter.com/5WjCgs808o

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 27, 2023

“We are thrilled to welcome Hardik back home! It’s a heartwarming reunion with our Mumbai Indians family! From being a young scouted talent of Mumbai Indians to now being a team India star, Hardik has come a long way and we’re excited for what the future holds for him and Mumbai Indians!," said Nita Ambani. 

READ: The bewildering case of Hardik Pandya’s trade

If the reports about the value are set to be true, Gujarat will obtain a sum of INR 15 crore for the player plus a yet-to-be-disclosed amount from Mumbai. It is unclear whether the franchise could take that undisclosed amount to the IPL auction. 

*More details to follow*