Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans trade collapses over captaincy demand

Hardik Pandya explored a return to Gujarat Titans but talks broke down after he insisted on being reinstated as captain. GT were open to bringing back the 32-year-old, but unwilling to replace Shubman Gill, now India's Test and ODI captain. Pandya enjoyed the best phase of his IPL career at Gujarat, where he revived his international career and established himself as a leader. However, sources indicated that while GT valued his experience, they expected him to return as a senior player rather than captain. His future at MI remains uncertain after another disappointing season. Mumbai finished ninth in IPL 2026, extending their title drought to six years. Hardik's own returns were modest: 206 runs at 22.88 and four wickets in 10 matches, with back spasms restricting him to only 10 appearances. KKR posted a video featuring Pandya at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, adding to trade speculation.