Reports: Hardik Pandya to quit Mumbai Indians

It is believed that RCB is keen on buying the youngster.

The Indian sensation Hardik Pandya has expressed his desire to leave his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians ahead of the mega-auction in 2018. It is also being reported that he has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his willingness to be a part of the auction pool next year. There is already a lot of buzz regarding the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. The 11th season of the Indian Premier League is set to be played from April 4 in 2018 and most of the major players are expected to go under the hammer in February.

Hardik has timed his move perfectly as he will be in high demand among the franchises. After making his international debut last year, he became a vital cog for the Men in Blue and is now touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket. He has earned a special praise from his skipper Virat Kohli time and again who also compared him to Ben Stokes of England.

If he goes under the hammer, all the major franchises would want to sign him up and there is also a possibility that MI will want to get him back in the squad.

RCB eager to buy the all-rounder

According to Times of India, Pandya wants to be in the auction next year and he has informed the board regarding the same.

“Hardik wants to be at the auction and the rule says that if he isn’t ready to play for Mumbai Indians, he can certainly be at the auction,” a BCCI official informed. Notably, it is also being learnt that Royal Challengers Bangalore which is led by Kohli is interested in picking the all-rounder.

Mumbai Indians unleashed young Pandya in 2015 after buying him for mere Rs 10 Lakhs and he impressed everyone immediately. However, he played a crucial role for them earlier this year in their title triumph in IPL 2017. The market value of the 23-year-old has increased immensely since then and it is next to Kohli and MS Dhoni who are the superstars of the game.