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The IPL 2024 retention process has once again set the stage for an exhilarating auction as franchises made strategic decisions on player retention. Among the numerous surprises, one standout feature was the trading of Gujarat Titans’ (GT) captain, Hardik Pandya, to Mumbai Indians. Although the unprecedented move of the skipper’s trade came as a shock to many, it also added an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming season.
IPL captains who have been traded to some other franchise
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first instance of a captain being traded to another team; similar scenarios have unfolded in the past with two other players. On that note, let’s take a closer look at all the three IPL captains who have been traded to different franchises.
Hardik Pandya: From Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians
Pandya’s journey as a captain began with the Gujarat Titans in the 2022 season. Leading the team to a historic title victory in their debut season, Pandya’s charismatic captaincy and all-round prowess made him a fan favourite. Despite falling short in the following year’s final, Pandya had etched his name in IPL history.
However, the IPL 2024 retention took an unexpected turn for Pandya and Gujarat Titans fans. Initially retained by the Titans, the dynamic all-rounder was later traded to Mumbai Indians in a whirlwind post-retention process, making him part of a rare group of captains traded to a different franchise and the first title-winning skipper among all. The trade saw the departure of Cameron Green from MI to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to accommodate Pandya.
Ajinkya Rahane: From Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals
A seasoned campaigner in the IPL, Ajinkya Rahane also found himself in the trade mix during the 2020 season. Having been an integral part of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) since 2011, Rahane had become their most capped player. However, a trade saw him move from the Royals to the Delhi Capitals (DC) in a significant shift back then.
Rahane’s time with the Royals was marked by consistent performances, and his leadership skills were widely acknowledged when he captained the side. The trade, however, brought a new chapter to his IPL journey as he donned the DC jersey in the following season, showcasing his adaptability.
Ravichandran Ashwin: From Kings XI Punjab to Delhi Capitals
In a notable trade ahead of the 2020 IPL season, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin bid farewell to Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and joined the Delhi Capitals. Ashwin, who had captained Kings XI Punjab for two seasons, made the move after the team’s underwhelming performance under his leadership. Jagadeesha Suchith, another spinner, was part of the trade and added an intriguing element to the player exchange during that time.
