Hardik Pandya to leave Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2018 auctions? Here's what he said

Mumbai: Hardik Pandya’s rise to the top in international cricket has been well documented. In the past few series for the national team, the Baroda all-rounder has emerged as a revelation for Virat Kohli’s side in all three formats of the game and is displaying his credentials as a finisher, given that MS Dhoni’s abilities are on the wane.

With Pandya’s stock rising globally, rumours surfaced last month that IPL franchisees were preparing a big money move for the Mumbai Indians star after he expressed his desire to leave the three-time IPL champions. After players were reportedly known to be given the first priority to either stay with their teams or go under the hammer in the auctions, reports further suggested that the dashing all-rounder was eyeing an improvised IPL contract.

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However, the 24-year-old quashed all rumours stating they were false and committed his future under Rohit Sharma’s side.

“I was disappointed when I heard this news because this is false. This team has given me everything. Why would I leave it? My life changed when I got a chance to play for MI (Mumbai Indians) and then I never looked back. I had a small failure and that’s why I learned to be even more professional. You need to understand that some things are bad. That’s how you improve in life,” said Pandya in an interview with News 18.

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In 2013, Pandya was purchased for a bargain price of Rs 10 lakhs. Mumbai Indians increased his fees to Rs 20 lakh three seasons later but purchased his elder brother Krunal for a whopping Rs 2 crore in the same season.

Having already achieved 2 titles during his 3-year stint, Pandya is hungry for more success with the Paltans.