The Indian Premier League landscape is buzzing with reports of a massive shift as Hardik Pandya is expected to move out of the Mumbai Indians franchise. Following the conclusion of IPL 2026, the star all-rounder's tenure with Mumbai Indians appears to be coming to an end, sparking a significant battle among other major franchises to secure his services. According to recent reports, a line of teams is already forming to sign the high-profile player, with Chennai Super Kings making a notable late entry into the race.
The Three-Way Battle for Pandya
The competition to acquire Hardik Pandya has intensified as Mumbai Indians management is reportedly in active discussions with three specific teams: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Initially, the race was primarily between KKR and Rajasthan Royals. Kolkata Knight Riders are currently on the lookout for a new captain to lead their squad, while Rajasthan Royals are also considering offering Pandya a leadership role within their setup. However, the entry of Chennai Super Kings has added a new dimension to the trade negotiations, making it a high-stakes three-way contest.
Why Chennai Super Kings Wants Hardik Pandya
The interest from Chennai Super Kings has raised questions about how Pandya fits into their long-term strategy, while while it remains unclear if CSK intends to appoint him as captain, the team is in desperate need of a high-quality fast-bowling all-rounder. Pandya’s versatility is a major draw, as he possesses the ability to bat anywhere from the number 4 position to the number 7 position. Plus, as the franchise prepares for the eventual departure of MS Dhoni, they're looking for a player with a massive pan-India popularity and a strong individual aura, while although the team already has Sanju Samson, the management believes that Pandya brings a unique presence and skill set that's hard to replicate.
Teams Not Interested in the Trade
Despite the widespread interest in Hardik Pandya, reports suggest that two specific franchises have decided not to participate in the race. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the only two teams that have reportedly shown no interest in acquiring the all-rounder. Apart from these two, almost every other team in the league is keen on having Pandya in their ranks in some capacity.
Captaincy Record and Recent Form
Hardik Pandya served as the captain of Mumbai Indians for the last three years, but the team's performance under his leadership didn't meet expectations. This lack of results has led to the decision to release him from the squad, while this stands in stark contrast to his successful stint with Gujarat Titans, where he led the team to an IPL title in their debut season and followed it up by reaching the final in the subsequent year. His track record as a championship-winning captain remains a significant part of his appeal despite the recent struggles with Mumbai.
Hardik Pandya’s IPL Career Statistics
Throughout his IPL career, Hardik Pandya has participated in 162 matches, accumulating a total of 2955 runs with a strike rate hovering around 150. On the bowling front, he has claimed 82 wickets. However, his performance in the IPL 2026 season was underwhelming. 8. His bowling contribution was also limited, as he took only 4 wickets across 10 matches. Despite these recent dips in form, his overall career profile continues to make him one of the most sought-after players in the league.