Another IPL season. Another auction. But this night... it was different.

All team owners sat in their chairs, eyes glued to the big screen, paddles ready. Players were being sold like numbers. Strategies were unfolding.

And then came the unexpected announcement…

"Next player up for auction… Hardik Pandya — All-rounder. Former captain of Gujarat Titans."

What?

A silence hit the room.

Hardik sat backstage, watching it unfold on the screen, his heart heavy, eyes blank.

"After everything he gave to this team… Rahul put him for sale? Just like that?" — Hardik’s thoughts ran wild.

His memories flashed — lifting the trophy for Gujarat, playing through injuries, standing tall in losses, celebrating like a family in wins.

And now... this.

Rahul, owner of Gujarat Titans, sat emotionless. Cold. Business-minded.

Base Price — 1 crore The bidding started.

Teams hesitated.

2 crore 3 crore 4 crore

But one paddle went up without a second thought.

Yours. The owner of Mumbai Indians.

"6 Crore!" — you announced firmly.

Hardik’s eyes widened backstage.

"Mumbai? The team he started with… the team that believed in him when no one knew his name... and still today?" — his heart whispered.

He looked down, shaking his head slightly, overwhelmed.

"In a room full of owners calculating numbers... someone still saw his worth beyond stats." — he thought.

Auctioneer: "Going once... going twice... SOLD to Mumbai Indians for 6 Crore!"

Claps echoed.

But not from Rahul.

Instead, he stood up, clapping sarcastically, smirking.

Rahul (mocking tone): "Good luck dealing with him. He's got too much attitude, too much drama. Not worth the hype anymore."

Those words hit Hardik harder than any bouncer.