By Swapneel Deshpande 27 Nov 2023, 17:22 IST
Mumbai Indians (MI) have welcomed back star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, completing an all-cash trade with Gujarat Titans (GT) for a whopping INR 15 crore ahead of IPL 2024. This marks a significant homecoming for Pandya, who was initially discovered by MI’s talent development wing and had a humble start with a base price purchase of INR 10 Lakh in the 2015 auction.
Pandya’s journey with MI saw its share of ups and downs. After a slow start in the initial seasons, he burst into the limelight in 2017 with crucial performances, scoring 250 runs at an average of 35.71 and a strike rate of 156.25, along with 6 wickets. This stellar display led to MI retaining him for a substantial INR 11 crore ahead of the 2018 mega auction.
The following seasons, 2018 and 2019, proved to be breakthroughs for Pandya, where he showcased his prowess as a complete all-rounder, amassing 260 and 402 runs while also taking 32 wickets across the two seasons. Despite being released by MI in 2021, he returned to the franchise after the mega auction, only to be released again in 2022.
In a surprising turn of events, Pandya captained the newly-formed GT in the 2023 season, securing their maiden IPL title with an outstanding individual performance – scoring 487 runs and taking eight wickets. Now, he is set to continue his journey with MI, aiming to contribute to the team’s success.
Season | Price |
---|---|
2015 | 10 Lakh |
2016 | 10 Lakh |
2017 | 10 Lakh |
2018 | 11 Crore |
2019 | 11 Crore |
2020 | 11 Crore |
2021 | 11 Crore |
2022 | 15 Crore |
2023 | 15 Crore |
2024 | 15 Crore |
Reflecting on his earnings in the IPL, Pandya’s salary trajectory has seen a substantial rise. From his modest beginnings at 10 Lakh in 2015, he progressed to a staggering 15 Crore in the upcoming 2024 season.
As Pandya rejoins MI, the five-time champions anticipate his valuable contributions, hoping he will carry forward the legacy left by Rohit Sharma. The all-rounder’s journey, marked by highs and lows, exemplifies the dynamic nature of IPL auctions and player trajectories in the ever-evolving landscape of T20 cricket.
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