Where Does Hardik Pandya Fit In GT's Plans For IPL 2027

Hardik had a discussion with GT for a trade deal [Source: AFP]

The IPL 2027 is still far away, but the trade news has picked up pace, and the Mumbai Indians captain, Hardik Pandya, has been all over the news as several franchises are lurking around to fetch him. The Indian all-rounder has not been at his best in the last three years, but that doesn’t mean his stock has fallen in the IPL.

Barring SRH and the defending champions, RCB, almost all the other IPL franchises are interested in acquiring Hardik in a trade deal from the Mumbai Indians, with KKR reportedly leading the race.

The latest to have joined the race is the Gujarat Titans, but there is one roadblock, and that has come from Hardik’s side.

GT interested in Hardik, but all-rounder plans to replace Shubman Gill

According to the Indian Express, Hardik had a discussion with top GT officials regarding a potential trade deal before the IPL 2027, but the franchise turned down the offer for one simple reason.

The team was keen to have the all-rounder back in the squad before next season, but reportedly, Hardik wanted to replace Shubman Gill as the GT skipper, and this turned out to be the end of the conversation, as the Titans refused such a deal.

GT were happy to have him only as a player, but they had no intention of dropping the ball with Gill, who had led them to an IPL final in 2026.

Logically, where does Hardik fit in GT if the deal even goes through

Cricket is a game of uncertainty, and anything can happen. Hardik, despite having three poor IPL campaigns, still remains a hot commodity in franchise cricket, and GT having a trade discussion means the franchise is actually interested in buying him back.

However, the big question arises: Where does Hardik fit in the GT playing XI if the deal somehow goes through before IPL 2027?

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Usually, Hardik bats at number 5, 6, and 7, and predominantly plays as a finisher in the IPL. However, GT is one team where Hardik can fit in anywhere barring the top three spots.

Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler occupy the top three spots, and Washington Sundar was utilised at number 4. If GT acquire the MI captain, he can be utilised in the same position, and the stats tell the story.

(Hardik Pandya stats at number 4)

• The Indian all-rounder boasts brilliant stats at number 4 in the IPL, having scored 735 runs, with a strike rate of 142.
• The team has multiple options at 5, and Jason Holder can be the finisher at 6 for the Titans if the Hardik deal goes through.

GT will get a quality pacer in Hardik

Not only with the bat, but the Titans will also get a quality Indian pacer if they buy the Mumbai Indians captain. The team has a strong pace bowling attack, but if Kagiso Rabada gets injured, things would turn upside down, as Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are not-so-reliable with the ball.

(Hardik Pandya bowling stats in IPL)

• On any given day, the 32-year-old can bowl four quality overs in a T20 game, and he offers something different to their attack as Hardik’s hit-the-deck bowling could be useful on the bouncy Ahmedabad wicket.

Why GT should only buy Hardik if he agrees to play without captaincy demand

While Hardik was brilliant as captain of GT (2022, 2023), his numbers dipped as the captaincy responsibilities took a toll on him.

Most of his iconic performances have come as a non-captain, and that is the reason why the franchise should only proceed with the trade deal if he agrees to play under Gill.

Also Read: Players Who KKR Can Afford In Hardik Pandya Trade Deal For IPL 2027

(Hardik Pandya IPL stats as captain, non captain)

• As the stats reveal, Hardik has performed better when there has not been a captaincy burden on him. As IPL captain, the veteran has scored 1479 runs, but with a strike rate of 139.39, and he has received criticism for his performances in recent times.
• However, the numbers get better when there is no pressure, as the all-rounder has scored 1476 runs, but with an astonishing strike rate of 153.91.
• Captaincy took a toll on his hitting abilities, and hence, the all-rounder should play under Gill's leadership.

Conclusion

Hardik wants to join GT as their new captain, but that offer has been turned down. Instead, if the MI skipper wants to reunite with his previous IPL franchise, he needs to play under the leadership of Shubman Gill.

Yes, Hardik has done well for the Titans before, but the franchise has long moved away from him, and if he wants to rejoin them, he needs to play the second-fiddle role. The IPL great has a better record as a non-captain, and if he wants to revive his IPL career, the 32-year-old should consider playing only as a player.

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