Before the IPL 2024 auction even began, the spotlight was on the theme of “homecomings.” One of the biggest stories revolved around Hardik Pandya’s departure from the team that first trusted him as captain, Gujarat Titans (GT), to rejoin the franchise that initially scouted him, Mumbai Indians (MI). While some GT fans were disappointed to see him leave, some MI supporters welcomed his return, albeit with reservations about him playing under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.

MI aimed to frame it as a nostalgic homecoming, but controversy brewed when Hardik was named captain. This scenario mirrored Gautom Gambhir’s move from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) back to his home state franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC), which ended in disappointment for all parties involved, leading to his mid-season departure. However, when homecomings are not solely driven by a player’s choice, they often evoke positive sentiments, as seen with Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni’s return to Chennai Super Kings after 2018.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya stands on the brink of assuming the leadership reins for the Mumbai Indians in the highly anticipated IPL 2024 season. This comes on the heels of his remarkable captaincy stint with the Gujarat Titans, where he steered the team to a triumphant victory in the inaugural 2022 season, followed by a commendable runners-up finish in the subsequent edition.

Pandya’s astute leadership and dynamic on-field performances have earned him widespread acclaim, making him a sought-after asset in the IPL fraternity. His trade value commands a substantial 15 crore, reflecting the confidence and value that teams place in his leadership abilities and cricketing prowess. As Pandya gears up to lead the Mumbai Indians, expectations soar high, with fans eagerly awaiting to witness his strategic acumen and match-winning contributions on the grand stage of the IPL.

Manish Pandey

In a notable move, Manish Pandey was selected by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2024 season. This marks a significant return for Pandey, who was previously a vital member of KKR’s IPL-winning squad nearly a decade ago. Since then, his journey in the IPL has seen him don the colors of various franchises, showcasing his talent and versatility across different teams.

After his stint with KKR, Pandey went on to represent the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), followed by spells with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Delhi Capitals (DC). Now, as he reunites with KKR, Pandey aims to bring his wealth of experience and skills to contribute to the team’s success once again. His journey reflects the dynamic nature of the IPL, where players have the opportunity to make their mark across multiple franchises over the years.

Shreyas Gopal

Shreyas Gopal embarked on his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians (MI) before experiencing a hiatus from the league. Now, the leg-spinner is poised for a triumphant return, brimming with enthusiasm after being acquired by MI for a modest sum of Rs 20 lakh at the auction. Gopal’s determination to make a strong comeback reflects his unwavering passion for the game and his eagerness to showcase his talent once again on the IPL stage. As he prepares to don the MI jersey once more, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Gopal’s spin wizardry and valuable contributions to the team’s success.

See Also: 3 cricketers to play IPL 2008 and IPL 2024 for the same franchise

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc’s journey in the IPL has been marked by intermittent appearances, with his last match dating all the way back to 2015. Despite being picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2018 season, Starc made the difficult decision to withdraw from the tournament. However, the left-arm pace sensation is now poised to make a comeback to the same team that secured his services for a whopping INR 24.75 crore.

This significant return to KKR holds immense promise, as Starc aims to make a formidable impact with his lethal bowling prowess. His presence adds depth and firepower to the KKR bowling attack, raising expectations for a memorable stint in the upcoming IPL season. As Starc prepares to don the purple and gold jersey once again, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his breathtaking performances on the IPL stage.

Shardul Thakur

Following his departure from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after the JPL 2021 season, Shardul Thakur embarked on a journey that took him through multiple IPL franchises. CSK’s decision to release him before the mega auction paved the way for Thakur’s stint with different teams, first with the Delhi Capitals and later with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

However, fate brought Thakur back to his familiar stomping grounds as he rejoined CSK for the IPL 2024 season. The franchise secured his services for a respectable sum of 4 crore, highlighting their confidence in his abilities and value to the team. Thakur’s return to CSK marks a homecoming of sorts, where he aims to continue his legacy and contribute to the team’s success once again. As he prepares to don the yellow jersey once more, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Thakur’s trademark fiery spells and match-winning performances on the IPL stage.