Mumbai: Hardik Pandya’s search for a way out of Mumbai Indians has hit another roadblock. TOI has learnt that the India allrounder explored a return to Gujarat Titans, the franchise he led to the IPL title in 2022 and the final in 2023, but talks broke down after he insisted on being reinstated as captain.GT were open to bringing back the 32-year-old, 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 enjoyed the best phase of his IPL career at Gujarat, where he revived his international career and established himself as a leader. However, sources indicated that while GT valued his experience, they expected him to return as a senior player rather than captain.His future at MI remains uncertain after another disappointing season. Mumbai finished ninth in IPL 2026, extending their title drought to six years. Hardik’s own returns were modest: 206 runs at 22.88 and four wickets in 10 matches, with back spasms restricting him to only 10 appearances.Since replacing Rohit Sharma as MI skipper in 2024, Pandya has endured a turbulent spell. MI finished last that season, recovered to reach the playoffs in 2025 before slipping back to ninth this year. The move from Rohit to Hardik also triggered a hostile reaction from sections of the franchise’s fan base.With Ajinkya Rahane retired and Rishabh Pant stepping down as LSG captain after successive poor campaigns, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants could emerge as possible destinations if Pandya remains keen on a leadership role.Adding to the uncertainty, MI batting coach Kieron Pollard had stopped short of guaranteeing Hardik’s continuation as captain after the franchise endured another horror season in May.“Yes, it might not have gone as well as he would have wanted, what we would have wanted, but I wouldn’t question anything at this time. Twelve months ago, we finished third. Now again, we finished ninth. Those are the inconsistencies we will have to address. We will sit and talk, lick our wounds and hopefully come back stronger in 12 months’ time. He was trying. We all were trying. We tried each and everything to give the best opportunity for him to lead the franchise and do well,” Pollard had replied when quizzed about Hardik’s leadership at MI.
Hardik’s comeback likely vs Afg
For now, Pandya’s focus is on returning to full fitness. He has been training at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, bowling up to 10 overs and batting extensively in the nets. Sources said he is expected to be available for India’s home T20I series against Afghanistan, beginning in New Delhi on Sept 13.
