Hardik Pandya is celebrated as one of India’s top all-rounders. He kicked off his IPL career with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2015 after being picked up for INR 10 lakh, and he went on to clinch four titles with the team. During his time with MI from 2015 to 2021, Hardik also made his international debut and quickly became a key player for the Indian squad. As IPL 2022 approached, he made a move to the Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 15 crore and took on the role of captain. His leadership was a hit, leading GT to victory in their inaugural season and guiding them to the finals again in 2023. Before IPL 2024, Hardik returned to MI, stepping in as captain for Rohit Sharma a decision that sparked quite a bit of backlash from fans. Even though the season was challenging, he bounced back with outstanding performances during India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Retained as MI’s captain for IPL 2025, Hardik led the team to the playoffs, though they fell short in Qualifier 2. Also Read: Harmanpreet Kaur Tries to Touch Jay Shah’s Feet During Trophy Hand Over, Video Goes Viral Would Hardik Pandya Have Been a Bigger Star at Gujarat Titans Than at Mumbai Indians? This raises an intriguing question that can be explored from various angles. If Hardik had remained with the Titans, he could have significantly influenced their legacy, starting fresh with a clean slate. He had already done an incredible job, helping the team reach two finals in back-to-back seasons. He had built a fantastic rapport with head coach Ashish Nehra, and together they were aiming to elevate the Titans to new heights. However, returning to lead the most successful franchise in IPL history came with its own set of pressures. While making the playoffs might be seen as a success for many teams, that’s not the case at MI. The management and fans are always eager for trophies, and while such an environment can motivate a player to push their limits, the constant pressure to succeed can also weigh heavily on them. Hardik had two stellar seasons with GT, amassing 833 runs with impressive averages and strike rates. However, his performance took a concerning dip after moving back to MI in 2024. If he had stayed with GT, the continuity might have helped him maintain his form.