# Gill backed Hardik Pandya return before captaincy demand stalled talks 2026-08-12T15:54:10+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Shubman Gill reportedly told Gujarat Titans he was open to Hardik Pandya returning to the franchise, but talks collapsed over Pandya's demand for the captaincy, sources told sports.ndtv.com. Pandya sought a return three years after his controversial move to Mumbai Indians. The Titans management then informed Gill of the captaincy condition, sparking discussions that ultimately failed. The all-rounder's desire to reclaim the leadership role proved a sticking point, ndtvprofit.com adds. Neither franchise nor player has publicly commented on the matter. The development leaves Pandya's future uncertain ahead of the next IPL mega auction, while Gill remains Titans captain for now. ## Coverage - sports.ndtv.com - ndtvprofit.com Tags: captaincy, Gujarat Titans, Hardik Pandya, IPL, Shubman Gill Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/gill-was-open-to-hardik-pandya-return-before-captaincy-condition/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/gill-was-open-to-hardik-pandya-return-before-captaincy-condition/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.