'Rohit is going to let Hardik be captain and take over the reins': AB de Villiers on Pandya's likely return to MI

The deadline to make the possible trades and swaps for the IPL tournament for next year is on November 26, 2023 and the auction will be held on December 19.

Ahead of the deadline, there is a buzz about the biggest trade in the history of IPL.

It is Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Hardik Pandya's move to Mumbai Indians (MI) after he was dropped in 2022.


The legendary AB de Villiers, former South Africa skipper and Royal Challengers Bangalore player, recently commented on the possible shift of Pandya back to Mumbai Indians.

"I am not sure what happened there but it looks like he is heading back to Mumbai. I think it's going to cost them a bit. I mean Rohit is the captain, we know he loves leading from the front. Will he step down and let Hardik lead, because he has got the big weight of Team India and captaining there," De Villiers said on his Youtube channel.

The icon also had a feeling about a change in MI's captaincy if Pandya is part of the team.

The 39-year-old said that Rohit already carries a lot of pressure by captaining Team India.

"I have got a funny feeling Rohit is going to let him (Hardik) captain and take over the reins. Rohit carries a lot of pressure by captaining Team India as well. Maybe that is going to be the move," he added.

Along with the possible change in captaincy, the former wicket-keeper believes the move could cost the Mumbai-based franchise.

Also Read: IPL Auction: List of players released, traded, and other details ahead of deadline

"It's a big news for Mumbai Indians. He (Hardik) was a big player for Mumbai for many years. He loved playing at the Wankhede Stadium. He won the trophy with GT and then also went to the final (next season). He probably feels his time there is done," ABD further added.

Is Hardik Pandya returning to Mumbai Indians?
There have been reports about the possible return of all-rounder Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians. He is being considered to be the successor after Rohit Sharma. If the move happens successfully then it will be considered the biggest player trade in IPL history. As of now, neither franchise has made it official.

Pandya had played seven seasons of IPL for Mumbai before being released prior to the 2022 season. After joining Gujarat Titans, Pandya led the side to back-to-back IPL finals, including earning them the trophy in their debut season.

(with agency inputs)