Hardik Pandya’s possible return to Gujarat Titans has reportedly hit a roadblock after the all-rounder sought a captaincy guarantee. According to The Indian Express, Gujarat Titans were open to bringing Pandya back but rejected the proposal after his condition to return as captain.
Pandya led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in their debut season in 2022. He moved back to Mumbai Indians in 2024 and took over as their captain.
Shubman Gill Was Open to the Return
Gujarat Titans had reportedly discussed the possibility of Pandya’s return with current captain Shubman Gill. Gill was said to be comfortable with the franchise trading for Pandya. However, the captaincy condition became the main obstacle.
Gujarat Titans declined to comment on the matter. Pandya’s spokesperson also denied that the player had directly approached another franchise about a transfer or trade.
Pressure Mounts at Mumbai Indians
The development comes after a difficult IPL 2026 campaign for Mumbai Indians. The team won only four of its 14 matches, finished ninth and extended its wait for another IPL title.
Pandya’s position as captain had already come under scrutiny. The team management was reportedly considering changes to his role following the disappointing season.
Mumbai Indians also struggled to produce standout individual performances. Their leading batter, Ryan Rickelton, finished 17th among the season’s top run-scorers, while leg-spinner Allah Ghazanfar was 14th among the leading wicket-takers.
Pandya’s relationship with Mumbai Indians supporters has also remained complicated since his return in 2024. After facing heavy criticism in his first season back, he had shown signs of rebuilding his connection with fans in 2025. However, the team’s poor 2026 campaign has once again put his future at the franchise under the spotlight.