“Got his MBA degree and is coming back home” – Ravichandran Ashwin on Hardik Pandya returning to MI

Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Mumbai Indians (MI) will significantly benefit from the return of talismanic all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Ashwin emphasized how Hardik grew as a player and a leader during his two-year stint with the Gujarat Titans (GT), likening his return to Mumbai to a son coming back home after completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated, “They have got an Indian T20 captain who has won an IPL and become a runner-up in the last two years that he has been away. It’s like calling up your son and telling him, ‘Hey, son. Here’s some money. Go live the world. Go get an MBA degree.’ So, he went to GT, became a leader, got his MBA degree, and is coming back home.”

Hardik Pandya’s trade from GT to MI has been a major talking point leading up to the IPL 2024 auction. Ashwin highlighted Hardik’s successful stint as the captain of GT, leading them to a championship triumph and a runner-up finish. The official confirmation of the trade came on Monday in an all-cash deal.

Ravichandran Ashwin clarified that Hardik Pandya’s return to MI wasn’t solely for monetary gain. He expressed that the move was made because the franchise values Hardik immensely. Ashwin shared his perspective on the trade, saying, “So many people, after the Hardik Pandya trade, are concerned about the undisclosed money that MI might be paying him. It is not about the money, and it never will be.” He added that MI could have asked Hardik to come back home, emphasizing the value the franchise places on him.

Hardik Pandya, a success story in the IPL, initially joined Mumbai Indians in 2015 for ₹10 lakh. Over the years, he has evolved into one of India’s premier all-rounders and has captained the country in T20Is.

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