Now Reading: Hardik Pandya’s GT return collapses over captaincy demand
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Hardik Pandya’s GT return collapses over captaincy demand
Hardik Pandya's attempt to return to Gujarat Titans has collapsed after he insisted on being reinstated as captain, Times of India reports. GT were open to bringing back the 32-year-old allrounder but…
The Story in Brief
Hardik Pandya's attempt to return to Gujarat Titans has collapsed after he insisted on being reinstated as captain, Times of India reports. GT were open to bringing back the 32-year-old allrounder but unwilling to replace Shubman Gill, now India's Test and ODI captain. 'Which team wouldn't want Hardik? But his captaincy condition killed the deal,' a source said.
Pandya's future at Mumbai Indians remains uncertain after they finished ninth in IPL 2026, extending their title drought to six years. He managed only 206 runs and four wickets in 10 matches, hampered by back spasms. He is now training at BCCI's Centre of Excellence and is expected to be available for India's home T20I series against Afghanistan starting September 13.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that Hardik Pandya is being victimised by franchises overlooks one basic fact: he has had two poor seasons as captain and his own form has dipped. GT's refusal to demote Gill is a sensible business call, not a personal snub. If Pandya truly wants a leadership role, he must first prove his fitness and form. The real test will be whether another franchise like Lucknow or Kolkata gambles on him as captain next auction.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
