Discussions about the possible exit of Indian pace bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya from the Mumbai Indians (MI) continue to increase day-by-day. Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027, seven franchises have shown interest in acquiring the MI skipper.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are the only two franchises unwilling to add Hardik to their roster.
The five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerge as the leading contenders in the race.
With Pandya’s future uncertain with the MI franchise after the team finished ninth in the IPL 2026 points table, a blockbuster trade in IPL history is likely to be on the way.
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Strongest Contender
Handling high-profile trades isn’t new to the Chennai Super Kings, as they have accomplished the trade deals of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange for Sanju Samson.
Experts predict that the franchise is in the race to acquire Hardik Pandya and could offer him a leadership role. Especially after MS Dhoni passed on the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, the team failed to secure a playoff berth in three consecutive IPL seasons (in 2024, 2025, and 2026).
Reports claim that CSK could offer a massive trade package to MI by swapping their all-rounder Shivam Dube and pacer Khaleel Ahmed in exchange for Pandya.
As CSK’s five-time winning captain approaches the twilight of his career, the franchise is keen to sign a captain who can become the face of the team and carry forward MSD’s legacy.
Dhoni, who has been a long-time mentor, life coach, and close friend of Hardik, prompts the Super Kings to incorporate his idol’s leadership skills and ability to handle high-pressure challenges.
2. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Search For A New Captain
The high-profile trade of Rishabh Pant with Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav has now left a void in the Lucknow Super Giants’ captaincy role.
After back-to-back disastrous IPL seasons in 2025 and 2026, LSG decided to swap their skipper to the Delhi Capitals for INR 12 crore, with Kuldeep entering for his current worth of INR 13.50 crore.
However, the Super Giants may not accept the cash deal and are likely to trade one of their key players. There are speculations that the franchise might trade Nicholas Pooran to acquire Hardik Pandya as their new skipper ahead of IPL 2027.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Multi-Talented Player Required
The three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders need a multi-talented player like Hardik Pandya to fulfill these five tough demands:
- Explosive middle-order batsman
- Best finishing batsman
- Highly skilled pacer
- Death over specialist
- A high-profile Indian cricketer to lead the squad.
Being one of the star Indian cricketers in the current era, the 32-year-old can add depth to the batting and bowling attack as well as enhance the franchise’s brand value.
Several reports claimed that the Knight Riders are either ready for an all-cash deal or to trade their key players, such as Rinku Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, or Ajinkya Rahane, in exchange for Hardik.
4. Delhi Capitals (DC): Focus on Leadership Change
After missing out on the playoffs in IPL 2025 and 2026, the Delhi Capitals franchise could aim for a potential swap of their skipper, Axar Patel, with Hardik Pandya hoping for a leadership transition.
A player of Hardik’s caliber requires trading marquee players; any swap negotiations with the spin-bowling and pace-bowling all-rounder are likely to take place.
5. Punjab Kings (PBKS): Aim to Bolster Batting and Bowling Unit
As the Punjab Kings are likely to retain Shreyas Iyer as the captain, fan discussions on various platforms suggest that the franchise should trade spin bowler Harpreet Brar to acquire Hardik Pandya.
Hardik’s inclusion would bolster PBKS’s middle-order batting and pace-bowling attack. However, there are heavy rumors that Pandya could be swapped with Arshdeep Singh and Shashank Singh, although the official confirmation is still pending.
6. Rajasthan Royals (RR): Require Fast Bowling All-Rounder
With Riyan Parag as the Rajasthan Royals captain, it is unlikely that Hardik Pandya could be given a leadership role, despite the franchise’s chances of signing him. Although there are no discussions of an all-cash deal, there could be a possible player swap.
Reports claim that Yashasvi Jaiswal might be traded to MI in exchange for Hardik Pandya. However, this potential swap may not happen as the Royals would not take a risk to release their explosive opening batsman.
Also Read: IPL 2027: Three Possible LSG Captains After Rishabh Pant Leaves
7. Gujarat Titans (GT): Lower Chances of Trade Deal
Having represented the Gujarat Titans skipper for two years, Hardik Pandya’s return to the franchise is less likely to happen. Even if the trade deal takes place, Shubman Gill would remain the captain with Hardik’s inclusion only as a player.
GT management is unlikely to be interested in their former skipper’s trade, either for a player swap or an all-cash deal.
