​Why MI-Hardik Pandya relationship did not work out? Full timeline and factors behind the exit of Mumbai Indians captain originally appeared on Cricket News.
Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Hardik Pandya has left Mumbai Indians to join Punjab Kings ahead of the IPL 2027 campaign.Pandya re-joined MI from Gujarat Titans in 2024.Full timeline of factors that led to Pandya’s exit from MI. Hardik Pandya’s second stint at MI ends as he joins Punjab KingsHardik Pandya’s journey as a Mumbai Indians player and captain has finally come to an end as he has formally completed a move to Punjab Kings.Pandya’s move was part of a swap deal that MI agreed to, which will see India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh joining them for the upcoming IPL 2027 campaign.The experienced all-rounder started his journey in the Indian Premier League with MI in 2015 and spent six seasons during his first stint. It was at MI, where Pandya rose to stardom and also made his international debut for the Men in Blue.Ahead of the IPL 2022 campaign, Pandya left MI and was picked by the newly formed franchise, Gujarat Titans, at the mega-auction that year and was made the captain of the new side.In his maiden season with GT, Pandya guided the team to an IPL title and then led them to a second consecutive final in 2023, where they lost to CSK.After spending only two seasons in Ahmedabad, Pandya returned to MI in a much-hyped move ahead of the IPL 2024 campaign. MI signed Pandya during the trade window and also made his the team captain.The second stint, however, did not go as per plan, as MI failed to reach the play-offs in two out of the three seasons he led them, and there was also plenty of friction in the dressing room throughout his stint.MORE: ‘Questionable deal’: Ex-India star on Pandya moving to PBKSWhy did the MI-Hardik Pandya relationship not work out? Full timeline and factors behind the exit of Mumbai Indians captainThere were several factors that led to Pandya’s exit from MI after just three seasons. Here is a timeline of factors that led to the all-rounder leaving Mumbai for PBKS.March 2024: Hardik Pandya formally assumes MI captain’s role from Rohit SharmaSoon after Pandya’s signing from GT was confirmed, the MI management took a bold call by sacking five-time IPL champion and then-India captain Rohit Sharma from the captain’s role and appointing the all-rounder as their new skipper.The decision instantly sparked anger among fans, especially those who adored Sharma, as the MI management faced severe criticism from a large section ot their supporters. MORE: The Hardik-Arshdeep trade: Who stands to gain? MI or PBKS?The video saga: Hardik Pandya praising CSK over MI after joining GTAfter Pandya was announced as the next MI captain, a section of the outraged fans dug up old clippings of the all-rounder from his GT days. One such video surfaced online from 2022, where Pandya can be heard praising CSK’s team environment, which of