Indian cricket team all-rounder Hardik Pandya completed a massive move to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 auction on Monday. Pandya was the skipper of Gujarat Titans in the past two seasons and he even led them to victory in 2022. However, despite being named in the retention list submitted by the franchise, Pandya completed his move to his former team Mumbai Indians in an all-cash deal. Former India opener Aakash Chopra took to social media to share a cryptic post and users believe that it was a sly dig at Hardik following his decision.
“Once in a while life would give you an opportunity to choose between money and legacy. Whatever you choose will define you for the rest of your life,” Chopra posted on X (formerly called Twitter).
Once in a while life would give you an opportunity to choose between money and legacy. Whatever you choose will define you for the rest of your life.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 27, 2023
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans on Monday appointed Shubman Gill as their captain for the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following Hardik Pandya’s decision to move back to Mumbai Indians.
The Gujarat Titans will receive Rs 15 crore from MI for the all-cash trade deal apart from a hefty undisclosed transfer fee, a part of which will also go to the cricketer.
Hardik Pandya will choose money over legacy.
— Abhishek Ojha (@vicharabhio) November 27, 2023
Once Pandya’s exit was sure, 24-year-old opener Gill was an obvious captaincy choice, having got the coveted ‘orange cap’ in the last season with 890 runs, second to only Virat Kohli’s all-time record of 973.
“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. We have had two exceptional seasons and I keenly look forward to leading the team with our exciting brand of cricket,” Gill said in a statement.
Yeah exactly Hardik choose money over anything
— Manu (@virat_facts) November 27, 2023
Pandya, on his part, took to ‘X’, formerly twitter to express his emotions.
“This brings back so many wonderful memories. Mumbai. Wankhede. Paltan. Feels good to be back,” Pandya commented on ‘X’ on a video depicting his entire journey for Mumbai Indians.
GT Team Director Vikram Solanki acknowledged Pandya’s contribution to the team’s success in then last two seasons.
Many players of today’s era choose money….
— Hriday Singh (@hridaysingh16) November 27, 2023
“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 quoted as saying in a statement.
“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 endeavors,” the former England batter further added.
Legacy pic.twitter.com/YaKqYs8ACX
— Hemaram Saran (@saran_hemaram) November 27, 2023
Solanki, who has closely worked with Gill, vouched for his maturity.
“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,” Solanki opined.
“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 GT think-tank said.
(With PTI inputs)
Topics mentioned in this article
#ExIndia #Star #Dig #Hardik #Pandya #Mumbai #Indians #Move #Internet #Thinks
