A possible homecoming for Hardik Pandya at Gujarat Titans has reportedly hit a wall. Ahead of the IPL 2027 trading window, discussions took place between Pandya’s side and the franchise, which was said to be open to re-signing the all-rounder. The talks stalled, however, because Pandya’s camp treated the captaincy as a condition that could not be dropped.
Why Gujarat could not agree
Shubman Gill currently captains Gujarat Titans and also sits at the heart of India’s leadership group. He leads the national side in Tests and has recently been given the ODI captaincy ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Titans were not prepared to remove him from the franchise captaincy.
According to a source cited by The Indian Express, the franchise was comfortable with Pandya returning and Gill had also accepted a potential trade. The captaincy demand was what ended the conversation.
Pandya’s camp disputes the claim
A spokesperson for Pandya rejected the suggestion that he had spoken directly to any franchise about a move. The spokesperson said any approach would have been routed through Mumbai Indians.
A shared history
Pandya’s record with Gujarat is strong. He captained them to the IPL title in their first season in 2022 and led them to the final again in 2023, finishing as runners-up. He then went back to Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 season.
Unless the captaincy issue is settled, a reunion now looks unlikely.
