According to reports, the Chennai Super Kings have entered the competition to recruit Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya before IPL 2027, potentially creating one of the greatest trade stories in IPL history.
The Times of India reports that when Kolkata Knight Riders became clear competitors for the India all-rounder, CSK initiated talks. KKR do not have any players to offer to MI, and are largely looking for an all cash deal.
Seven IPL teams have reportedly expressed interest in Hardik. According to reports, only Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have not made contact with the Mumbai Indians. Both RCB and SRH have a largely settled core and backup, it is unlikely that they will be involved in any major trade or even a big auction next year.
Hardik was reportedly mentioned as part of a potential trade with Rajasthan Royals involving Yashasvi Jaiswal prior to the KKR connections. But now that RR has named Riyan Parag captain, that move seems doubtful. It is understood that Jaiswal carries captaincy ambitions, and him being overshadowed by teenage sensation Vaibhav sooryavanshi, the southpaw may look for a fresh exit to a team with aging openers, i.e, MI.
After Shreyas Iyer left, KKR is reportedly interested in Hardik as they continue to look for a long-term captain. Ajinkya Rahane, current captain of KKR, who turned 38 last month is in the twilight of his career, KKR will need a long term captain before mega auction 2028, and would want to give him atleast a year to understand team environment, what players to retain, what players to target, etc. According to rumors, KKR owner SRK himself is interested to acquire Pandya, and is ready to offer captaincy and see him as a long term prospect.
However, with Ruturaj Gaikwad currently heading the team and Sanju Samson joined to bolster the leadership group, CSK is unlikely to grant him the captaincy. While Gaikwad’s captaincy isn’t yet under any threat, it is learnt that his form and captaincy will be on agenda when CSK management meet for their review meeting, to disscus the direction the franchise is aiming to go in and what players they want to target for IPL 2027. CSK has largely been an one man show, but now that MS Dhoni seems to distancing himself from the franchise, CSK finds itself in uncharted territory.
According to the report, the three teams actively involved in talks about Hardik’s future are KKR, CSK, and RR.
Also Read – Pandya Moving To Bengaluru, But Don’t Expect An RCB Jersey Just Yet
-
-
-
-
