Ravichandran Ashwin hints yet another former Mumbai Indians player could make his return along with Hardik Pandya

Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin gave his opinion on the likely return of Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians. The 37-year-old has also suggested that not just Hardik Pandya but one more former player could be on his way back to the Mumbai Indians team.

MI sent the IPL fans into a frenzy earlier today after reports emerged that Pandya is on his way back to the team. The 30-year-old was part of each of the five IPL title wins under Rohit Sharma. 

The Titans picked up the India all-rounder as their first draft pick in 2022 after they became one of the two new teams ahead of the IPL 2022 season. In their debut season, GT won the title under the leadership of Hardik Pandya beating Rajasthan Royals in the final. 

Another former Mumbai Indians star on his way back?

Ashwin reacted to Hardik’s impending return to the five-time winners ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. The Indian bowling ace was speaking on Instagram where he gave subtle hints at yet another familiar face might be on his way back to Mumbai Indians. 

Ashwin said “It will be interesting to see if another Pandya might .. Oh Sorry.. Sorry. But what Mumbai needs to do now is because Hardik Pandya is a 15-crore player, they have to free up their purse to make sure they come under auction budget”

For the unversed the player Ashwin was hinting at is Krunal Pandya the elder brother of Hardik Pandya. The former too was released at the end of the IPL 2021 season and he was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants.

The 32-year-old has had a mixed time in Lucknow with the bat and ball and could be released ahead of the deadline on Sunday. Krunal has played six seasons with the Mumbai Indians team and won four titles alongside his brother. 

Speaking about Hardik Pandya, the Indian bowler said “If It’s true then Mumbai have struck gold. So if it’s true and it’s a complete cash deal from whatever I read. There’s no player Mumbai Indians is giving. Mumbai has never given players on trade. I don’t think it has happened ever. But how does that XI look like if Hardik goes back who’s an MI grown player”