Hardik Pandya's request turned down by GT [Source: AFP]According to emerging reports, Gujarat Titans turned down Hardik Pandya's offer after the Mumbai Indians captain approached them, seeking his return to the franchise as captain. Currently, Shubman Gill serves as the captain of the Titans and led them to the final of the IPL 2026, where they went down to RCB in a mega clash. The Hardik Pandya trade has become a much-talked-about event after the IPL 2026 season. Under Pandya's leadership, Mumbai Indians suffered yet another group-stage exit from the IPL this year. Although Mumbai Indians have been tight-lipped about the trade deal, reports claim that several franchises are interested in drafting the veteran allrounder into their squads ahead of IPL 2027. Gujarat Titans turn down Hardik Pandya's captaincy demandMeanwhile, a report from Indian Express has claimed that Pandya held discussions with the decision-makers from Gujarat Titans regarding his possible return to the franchise. Notably, Pandya led GT from 2022 to 2023 before making his way back to MI as Rohit Sharma's captaincy replacement for the 2024 season. Although the Titans were keen to have him back as a player, Hardik Pandya demanded captaincy, which forced the GT management to close the doors for him. “The franchise was fine with him making a return. 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,” the Indian Express report stated. Having said that, Pandya's spokesperson denied the development.“Hardik Pandya had no direct conversation with any franchise whatsoever regarding transfer trade, or otherwise. If any approach has been made to him, that has been directed to the MI franchise," Hardik Pandya's spokesperson was quoted as saying by Indian Express. Also Read: Players Who KKR Can Afford In Hardik Pandya Trade Deal For IPL 2027Is Shubman Gill the reason for Gujarat's Hardik Pandya snub?Hardik Pandya was an integral member of the Mumbai Indians setup until 2022, a year that saw him switch to Gujarat Titans to captain them in their maiden IPL season. Pandya enjoyed stellar success as the GT skipper, leading them to the title in 2022. Although the Titans had yet another memorable year under his leadership in 2023, Pandya made a surprising U-turn and returned to Mumbai Indians for a second stint when the five-time champions offered him captaincy. Pandya's exit brought Shubman Gill to the helm as the new captain of Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Gill showed promising signs as a leader in 2024 before powering GT to the playoffs in the subsequent seasons. Although the Titans haven't won the IPL under Gill, the Punjab cricketer has assembled a formidable squad that has given its opponents a run for their money. While Hardik Pandya left GT with a win percentage of 70.96, Gill has led GT to 24 victories in 43 outings, registering a healthy win percentage of 55.81. So, considering Shubman Gill has run the team quite effectively, Gujarat Titans are not ready to change their leadership group and destabilise a settled setup. What are the options left for Hardik Pandya?According to the latest update from Mumbai Indians, the franchise will resolve the Hardik Pandya matter only after conducting its post-season review. If reports are to be believed, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants are in the race to secure the seasoned campaigner during the IPL trade window. If Pandya wants captaincy, KKR seems to be the only team that can fulfil his quest. The Knight Riders recently lost their captain Ajinkya Rahane, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. LSG might also show some interest in Pandya, having parted ways with Rishabh Pant following two successive underwhelming seasons. So, doors are reportedly open for Pandya to join these teams and get a fresh start to his IPL career, which has been quite off the track in recent times. Also Read: Big Boost For Bangladesh As Key Pacer Returns For 2nd Test vs Australia
