Hardik Pandya Homecoming: Mumbai Indians mull releasing Jofra Archer and Cameron Green
According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, Hardik Pandya is all set to return to his former-franchise, Mumbai Indians. The 5-time Champion will acquire the services of the star all-rounder through an all-cash deal with the Gujarat Titans. It is learnt that the Indians will pay the Titans, an undisclosed amount as the transfer fee.
Hardik Pandya’s potential comeback to the Mumbai Indians is a welcome development for the franchise, which has struggled in recent seasons. Pandya’s all-round abilities would be a significant boost to a team that has desperately missed his presence. The Mumbai Indian’s eagerness to bring back Pandya shows their determination to reclaim their former glory.
His seven-year stint with the Mumbai Indians witnessed four IPL titles, where he played a pivotal role in each triumph. In 2022, he took charge of the newly formed Gujarat Titans, guiding them to an improbable IPL Championship in their debut season. In the following season which was held this year, he took the side to the summit clash in which they just fell short of defending their crown.
Archer and Green likely to be sacrificed
Hardik Pandya’s potential return to the Mumbai Indians is coupled with several challenges on it’s way. The franchise’s limited purse of ₹0.05 Cr poses a significant obstacle. While an additional ₹5 Cr will be allotted to all teams for the upcoming auction, Mumbai still requires more funds to accommodate Pandya’s acquisition. To bridge this financial gap, the team is considering releasing Jofra Archer and Cameron Green, a move that would free up ₹25.5 Cr, potentially paving the way for Pandya’s return.
Jofra Archer’s potential release stems from his limited playing time and persistent injury issues. Despite being acquired ahead of the 2022 season, Archer has managed to play only five matches, claiming a mere two wickets at a costly economy rate of 9.50. His recurring injuries have raised concerns about his availability and effectiveness, prompting the Mumbai Indians to consider his release.
However, Green’s potential release is unexpected considering his standout performance in his maiden IPL season. In 16 matches, he amassed 452 runs at an impressive average of over 50, accompanied by a remarkable strike rate of over 160, including a century. Green’s release, if it materializes, is primarily driven by the Mumbai Indians’ desire to re-acquire Hardik Pandya. Both players share similar roles, and Green’s release would also free up an overseas slot for the team.
Here’s a look at how ‘X-verse’ reacted to the news of MI possibly releasing Archer and Green.
Mumbai Indians shaking up the squad strategy! Releasing Cameron Green & Jofra Archer could be the power move that fuels new triumphs and they can also get both of players in auction in less price.. pic.twitter.com/hRY9wtdj7f
— Simple man (@ArbazAh87590755) November 25, 2023
They will not only consider they will release it..Jofra is injured most of the time and not the same after his comeback.
Green is overpriced and Hardik coming as an all rounder doesn't add much value pic.twitter.com/wp0vZFCx5q— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) November 25, 2023
Jofra Archer literally made millions of dollars by warming the MI bench. They shouldn’t even consider releasing Jofra Archer
— TMS 🇮🇳 (@TMS205) November 25, 2023
Jofra Archer came enjoyed the money and went without contributing the team🔥🔥
— Manu (@virat_facts) November 25, 2023
https://twitter.com/tanveercric56_/status/1728320338701037665
Good call. Archer never turned up for them and now Green is a surplus as Hardik fills in that role. Can go into the auction to fix the bowling attack now. #MumbaiIndians
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) November 25, 2023
Releasing Green wont be a wise decisiom.
— Muhammad S. Ali (@iamsufyanali) November 25, 2023
Plz release lord Jordan 😬
— Sankott (@Iamsankot) November 25, 2023
https://twitter.com/MrsRajalaxmi/status/1728321938358235170
