Hardik Pandya's proposed Gujarat Titans return blocked by captaincy demand

Hardik Pandya's attempt to return to Gujarat Titans for the 2027 IPL season collapsed after he made captaincy a condition of the trade. Gujarat Titans were open to the move and had discussed the prospect with current captain Shubman Gill, who agreed to the return.

The captaincy demand proved the sticking point. A source told The Indian Express that once the condition was put forward, everyone involved rejected the proposal. Hardik's spokesperson clarified that he had no direct conversations with any franchise and that all communication went through Mumbai Indians.

Hardik joined Gujarat Titans ahead of their inaugural 2022 season and led them to the title in their debut campaign. He returned to Mumbai Indians in December 2023 and was appointed captain, replacing Rohit Sharma.