Feels like we never discuss enough how huge the chance was for Hardik with Gujarat Titans.
He wasn't just the captain – he was the face of the franchise right from day one. He lifted them to a title in their debut season and almost clinched a second straight... that's how legends are made.
Think about it:
Dhoni is CSK.
Kohli is RCB.
Rohit is Mumbai.
Hardik had the same slot with GT – a brand‑new side, no baggage, total freedom to build his own legacy.
Yet, instead of becoming "Mr. Gujarat Titans" for the next decade, he jumped ship just as the bond was forming.
I'm not saying the move was bad for his career, but for his legacy? It feels like he walked away from something that could've been iconic.
GT could've been his kingdom.
What do you all think – smart move or missed legacy?
(https://i.ibb.co/fYLM0NpN/u1d150gynztg1.jpg)
Exactly! He would've been worshipped there and enjoyed his own superstar status.
I think his performance was better with GT than it is now.
The move was wrong even for his career. He was the face of the franchise, which brings massive brand value that would have only grown over time. In MI he'll always stay in the shadow of Rohit and Bumrah. It was a very poor decision, despite the huge cash the Ambanis must have offered.
Gill is ambitious too; he might move to captain another franchise.
Surely he'll switch teams again when MI starts favouring younger talent like YBJ or Vaibhav and tries to poach them.
Hardik could've built a legacy at GT, but he chose to go along with the Ambanis.
As a GT fan I was upset when he left at first. But now, after some time, I get it. MI is where he earned everything – the franchise gave him his professional cricket career. He grew up there, played for years, and already had a legacy. Sure, he won't be the main guy for MI like he could've been for GT alongside Rohit, Bumrah, Pollard and other MI legends. Still, he's a legend there and it probably felt like going back home for him. (I know Hardik is a true Gujju, so home means Gujarat for him, but the money and captaincy help. Most of us would pick that life‑changing money – yes, he definitely got extra perks beyond his IPL contract).
Exactly, that team suited him perfectly and gave a great chance to win more. He took them to the final two years running, but after he left GT, both GT and Hardik haven't looked the same – both seem to be in decline.
Hardik is a Gujju himself, so he could've built a strong bond with the GT fans.
He's a Gujju as well, so it would've been epic. By the way, it was also a bad career move.