Hardik Pandya has once again entered the IPL trade discussion. Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings are believed to be interested in the Mumbai Indians captain. Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals have also been linked with the all-rounder, but those reports have not moved beyond the rumour stage.
Mumbai Indians have not confirmed whether Pandya is available for a trade. Some MI sources have suggested that the franchise could retain him. Cricbuzz understands that other teams have contacted Mumbai and received calls from the franchise as well. The talks are still at an early stage, with no major progress made so far.
Pandya’s Recent IPL Numbers
Pandya remains a valuable player in the IPL because of his skills as an all-rounder and leader. His recent numbers, though, raise some questions. Since 2024, he has scored fewer than 225 runs in each season and has averaged below 25. His strike rate has stayed close to 150, while he has also picked up 29 wickets during this period.
The biggest question for an interested franchise will be which version of Pandya they can expect. With Gujarat Titans, he led the new franchise to the IPL title in their first season. GT also reached the final in their second campaign. His recent stint with MI has been less successful, with the five-time champions reaching the playoffs only once in three seasons under his captaincy.
Pandya’s value goes beyond his statistics. His energy, leadership and ability to contribute in different areas make him a unique player. India have also struggled to regularly produce quality seam-bowling all-rounders. Pandya’s age could make him an attractive long-term option too. During IPL 2026, he said he expected to remain involved in the game for another nine or 10 years.
Sher-e-Punjab T20 League: Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma Named Marquee Players
Axar Patel Trade Could Interest MI
Mumbai would ideally prefer to continue with Pandya. One possible trade could involve Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel, though that remains an unlikely outcome. Axar would add strength to MI’s spin and bowling departments. His leadership experience and batting ability could also give the team more options in the middle and lower middle order.
An Axar trade could allow Mumbai to change their overseas combination. They could leave out an overseas all-rounder such as Mitchell Santner or Will Jacks and use an additional overseas fast bowler. MI are understood to want a top batter and a top bowler in return for Pandya. KKR are interested but are unwilling to give up their major players. Cameron Green could be considered, though his availability is uncertain because of the Ashes after next year’s IPL.
CSK Yet to Make a Decision
Chennai Super Kings have played down reports of serious talks for Pandya. The franchise wants its next head coach to have a say before making decisions on potential trades. CEO Kasi Viswanathan said, “We have not started applying our minds on this. First, we will have a coach. We have got calls from many interested candidates. We will sit and finalise.”
Viswanathan and whole-time director Rupa Gurunath will select the new CSK coach after consulting MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Any discussion over Pandya is expected to take place only after that appointment. Reports claiming CSK are ready to exchange two players for the MI star appear to have little substance at this point.
A possible Pandya move to Chennai would also be an interesting change from last year’s strategy. CSK traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran for Sanju Samson. Pandya would offer a different skill set, giving the franchise an experienced Indian finisher who can also bowl seam.
CSK Coach Search Remains Key
CSK’s coaching appointment is a bigger immediate issue than any potential Pandya trade. There has been speculation around Brendon McCullum after reports suggested the ECB could allow its coaches to work in the IPL during the off-season. Claims that McCullum helped Stephen Fleming secure the England Test job, with Fleming then helping McCullum pursue the CSK position, have also circulated. There is little evidence to support those claims.
Pandya has recently moved to Bengaluru and has been spending time at the Centre of Excellence. He is understood to be close to full fitness. The all-rounder has already had some initial discussions with the MI management and is now waiting for clarity on his future.
IPL teams usually avoid trades that could directly improve a rival. Pandya makes that decision harder because his leadership, finishing ability and seam bowling can add value even when his recent statistics are inconsistent. Mumbai must decide if the return from a trade is strong enough to justify sending one of their most valuable players to another franchise.
India vs Bangladesh 2026 Tour: BCCI to Seek Government Clearance Before Final Decision