Hardik seeks return to Gujarat Titans, with captaincy rider; franchise says no

['Devendra Pandey', 'Having Spent Years Covering Mumbai S Local', 'Maidan', 'Cricket Circuit', 'Devendra Pandey Brings A Unique Ground-Level Perspective To His Reporting.', '... Read More', 'Var Template_Content', 'Sso_Login_Box', 'Xwelcome Backorenter The Email Address Or Mobile Number Associated With Your Account To Sign In. Show Passwordsign Innew To The Indian Express Signupxcreate Your Account It Is Quick', 'Easy.Or Show Passwordnextvalidate Otpregisteralready Have An Account'] The Indian Express 2026-08-12 02:49:02

Hardik Pandya of Mumbai Indians reacts during the Match 41 of the TATA Indian Premier League 2026 between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India, on April 29, 2026. (CREIMAS)Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya held talks with Gujarat Titans over a possible return to the franchise but was rejected after he made it conditional on being reinstated as captain, The Indian Express has learnt. They had already discussed the prospect with current captain Shubman Gill, but Pandya’s captaincy condition was a deal-breaker. They had even discussed the same with its captain Shubman Gill, and he, too, had agreed that the franchise could trade him back. But when his condition of captaincy was put up, everyone said no to it,” said a source.