In a surprising turn of events after the IPL 2024 retention, Hardik Pandya finds himself in the Mumbai Indians (MI) camp, while Cameron Green makes the switch to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The unexpected news has left fans bewildered and engrossed in a whirlwind of emotions as they try to make sense of the dramatic shifts in team dynamics following the official retention announcements.
High expectations leading to retention day
It is worth mentioning that the anticipation had reached an all-time high in the days leading up to the retention announcements as the rumours swirling about high-profile player trades piqued the interest and curiosity of many fans.
One of the most talked-about speculations involved Hardik, supposedly being traded to MI in an all-money deal with fans being caught in a frenzy, engaging in debates and discussions fuelled by the possibility of star all-rounder re-donning the blue and gold jersey.
Hardik Pandya’s initial retention by Gujarat Titans
However, as the official retention process unfolded on Sunday (November 26), it became clear that the rumours were baseless as the Gujarat Titans (GT) officially retained Pandya, putting an end to the speculative chaos. Relief washed over Gujarat fans who had emotionally invested in the prospect of Hardik and the franchise over the past two years.
Also READ: IPL 2024 Retention – List of players released by all ten teams
Hardik moves to MI
Just when fans thought the rollercoaster ride had come to an end, reports of Pandya’s move to MI resurfaced, throwing everyone into a state of bewilderment.
Cameron Green makes the switch to RCB
Adding to the madness, it was revealed that Cameron Green of MI would be making the switch to RCB to accommodate Hardik. The unexpected player swap not only raised eyebrows but also left fans questioning the motives behind such a surprising move.
Reports further suggested that the transfer of Pandya to MI came with financial implications, leaving Mumbai Indians with a minimal purse value. The sudden change in team composition and the financial intricacies surrounding the move left fans scrambling for answers, further intensifying the buzz on social media platforms.
Unsurprisingly, fans took to social media to express their astonishment and confusion. Memes, tweets, and posts flooded the internet, reflecting the emotional rollercoaster that cricket enthusiasts were experiencing. The unpredictability of the IPL retention process had fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting official statements from the franchises involved.
Here’s how fans reacted:
That explains it now. Cameron Green in an all-cash deal to @RCBTweets and Hardik Pandya, with the money released, to @mipaltan. So RCB batting will be Faf, Virat, Green, Patidar, Maxwell, DK. MI will be Rohit, Ishan, Sky, Tilak, Hardik, David. https://t.co/7WIVilZTGO
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 26, 2023
Last minute trade for Mumbai Indians allows them to secure @hardikpandya7, master stoke.
Green going to @RCBTweets frees up the cash to secure the dream trade.
Out of the 3 franchises involved feel Titans have come off the worst. #IPLretention— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 26, 2023
Christopher Nolan watching Hardik Pandya’s trade in IPL pic.twitter.com/3GoasGXcfY
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 26, 2023
Cameron Green traded to RCB from MI. [Sports Tak] pic.twitter.com/g4oB5IGWAY
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 26, 2023
MI traded Cameron Green to RCB for cash.
MI increased their purse size.
MI then took Hardik Pandya from GT in cash.We all waited for MI-GT drama, and RCB also sneaked in. pic.twitter.com/OkudMBPmwP
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 26, 2023
Today 5.25 PM – Gujarat Titans Retained Hardik Pandya.
Today 7.25 PM – Hardik Pandya traded to Mumbai Indians.
– THIS IS IPL MADNESS…!!!!! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/JwBc0lM8Pu
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) November 26, 2023
When you realise Cameron Green will be in Green 😌 🟢 🍃🍀 pic.twitter.com/wICWJ86gSv
— Depressed RCB Guy (@depressedrcbguy) November 26, 2023
IT’S OFFICIAL, HARDIK PANDYA IS BACK IN MUMBAI INDIANS. pic.twitter.com/smeJQUEhfP
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 26, 2023
Hardik pandya signing both deals today. pic.twitter.com/YHqKsepDkI
— Abhishek (@MSDianAbhiii) November 26, 2023
#HardikPandya Gujrat to Mumbai, Mumbai to Gujrat, Gujrat to Mumbai 🤌🤔 pic.twitter.com/IwBCFwwQ7q
— IMDAD (@imdaaadd) November 26, 2023
#HardikPandya with GT and MI pic.twitter.com/jaC3Duf2ug
— krishna (@mufaddal_vodka) November 26, 2023
Wanted him last year itself, but RCB didn’t go for him.
Cameron Green to RCB welcome to the greatest franchise in the history of cricket ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3spD0LRqka
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 26, 2023
Also READ: IPL 2024 Retention – Fans left stunned as RCB opts to release Josh Hazlewood ahead of the auction
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