Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans return collapses over captaincy dispute

Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians, is at the center of intense trade speculation ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season, with multiple franchises reportedly interested in acquiring the all-rounder. The situation has been complicated by reports that Pandya’s proposed return to his former team, the Gujarat Titans, has collapsed due to a disagreement over the captaincy.

According to multiple reports, Pandya approached the Gujarat Titans about a possible trade. The Titans, whom Pandya captained to the IPL title in 2022 and a final in 2023, were initially open to bringing him back. The franchise had even discussed the prospect with current captain Shubman Gill, who was reportedly comfortable with the move. However, the talks broke down when Pandya made his return conditional on being reinstated as captain, a demand the franchise rejected in favor of Gill, who also leads India in Tests and ODIs.

A source familiar with the discussions stated that the franchise was fine with him making a return, but when his condition of captaincy was put up, everyone said no to it. A Gujarat Titans representative declined to comment on the matter.