Former India bowler RP Singh stated that he was surprised at discussions of trade regarding Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder is linked to a sensational trade deal with his former team Mumbai Indians after two successful stints in Ahmedabad. While the deal can still go through with the trade window still open until Dec 12, RP Singh is still finding it hard to believe.
Hardik Pandya joined Gujarat Titans from MI in 2022 as they were forced to release players ahead of mega auction. RP Singh, speaking to Jio Cinema, said he was rather surprised why would he leave during a successful stint.
“It was a surprise. For a captain who has done so well, won it once and reached the final in his second season. It never occurred that something like this could happen. I was just thinking how can they trade or release the captain,” said RP Singh.
Hardik began his IPL career with MI in 2015 and remained with the team for six seasons. In addition, he won the IPL in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. The Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, decided to release him in 2021 as they could retain only four players.
Hardik Pandya joined the Gujarat Titans in 2022 and guided them to victory in their inaugural IPL season. He was also named Player of the Match as Gujrat Titans defeated the Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 IPL final.
Hardik has scored 2309 runs in 123 IPL appearances at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 145.86, with 10 half-centuries to his name. He has also taken 53 wickets and demonstrated his capability as a captain on several occasions. Despite GT’s decision to keep Pandya, the all-rounder is still available for trade. The trading window concludes one week before the December 19 auction.
Gujrat Titans have already begun to build a formidable team ahead of the IPL. With Rs 13.85 Cr still in the bank that can increase with Hardik’s trade, GT would be looking to fill up the big gap if the captain leaves.
