David Miller opens up on Hardik Pandya’s trade to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 auction

India’s prominent all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, made a move from Gujarat Titans (GT) to Mumbai Indians (MI). This unexpected trade left fans bewildered, especially considering Pandya’s instrumental role in leading GT to two consecutive finals in 2022 and 2023. Many fans questioned Pandya’s loyalty to the franchise, finding it hard to believe that such a significant transfer had taken place.

Amidst the reactions, GT’s star left-handed batter, David Miller from South Africa, shared his thoughts on Hardik’s trade. Miller admitted that he wasn’t closely following the retention broadcasts and news, but he became aware of the trade. Expressing a hint of sadness, Miller acknowledged that it would be unfortunate not to see Pandya in the GT camp. However, he also emphasised the normalcy of players changing teams, recognising it as a common occurrence in the dynamic world of cricket.

“I haven’t followed it too much to be honest. He has moved to Mumbai and it’s not up to me. Obviously sad not to see him there, but I think that’s how it works. You build up relationships over a couple of years and you come and go to different teams. It’s just the nature of the game.” Miller was quoted as saying by One Cricket.

The feeling of coming back to Mumbai is very special: Hardik Pandya

Hardik expressed his excitement after making his comeback in Mumbai Indians and said that it feels like he has come back to his home. He recalled how his cricket journey started in 2015 with MI and said that it was quite a special 10-year span with the franchise.

“Obviously the feeling of coming back to Mumbai is very special for a lot of reasons. How my cricketing journey started in 2015 with MI, them noticing me in 2013. When I look back and how the whole ten-year span has been something very special.”

He also spoke about the old friends he had during his first stint with the 5-time champions and said, “I’m back! Rohit (Sharma), (Jasprit) Bumrah, Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), Ishan (Kishan), Polly (Keiron Pollard), (Lasith) Malinga, chala suru karuya (Come on, let’s begin).”