(Cricket News) All-around player Hardik Pandya is in talks to make a surprise return to the Mumbai Indians, who have won five IPL titles. This could be the most talked-about trade in the history of the league.

Pandya began his IPL career with MI in 2015, and now reports indicate that MI is in talks with him to return to the team because they see a long-term captain in him. The deal is expected to be cash-only, with MI willing to pay ₹15 crore for the star all-arounder. It may not be confirmed until the final hours of the trading day deadline on Sunday.

Pandya has been heading the Indian squad in T20Is for most of 2023; Rohit has only played a game in the format once, at the T20 World Cup semi-final last year. It is currently unknown if that would entail Pandya playing the next IPL under Rohit Sharma for a year.

Additionally, in order for the trade to happen, MI will need to release more than one key player in order to have enough cash on hand—they currently have just ₹5,00,000—because Pandya is valued at ₹15 crore.

If his chances of returning to form are poor, the Mumbai franchise may be forced to release players like Ishan Kishan (₹15.25) or even Jofra Archer (₹8 crore). Additionally, there has been talk that Gujarat wants Cameron Green and another player.

Reportedly, Pandya and Sharma are not interested in trading directly; Sharma is the most successful captain in IPL history, having captained MI to five titles. Pandya’s T20I career took a new turn after he helped the Gujarat Titans win the IPL in 2022; they finished runners-up this year, losing to Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling final.

Hardik is one of the most successful all-rounders in IPL history, having amassed 2309 runs in 123 matches at an average of 30.38 and striking rate of 145. He has taken 53 wickets with the ball despite missing two entire seasons due to injury.

See more: Imad Wasim Announces Retirement from International Cricket