The talks around Hardik Pandya‘s potential trade from Mumbai Indians (MI) has picked up more momentum as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the latest team to enter the race. As many as 7 Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises in talks with the five-time champions to secure the services of the star all-rounder for IPL 2027. Pandya, who move from GT to MI in 2024, has had a miserable run as captain for the franchise and had reportedly expressed his desire to leave the team after they failed to make it to the IPL 2026 playoffs.
CSK enter Hardik Pandya trade talks
As per The Times of India, CSK are in talks with MI for the trade involving Hardik Pandya. Earlier, reports had stated that Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were also involved in talks with the MI management over the trade, with KKR even offering captaincy to Pandya. Now, the fresh report states that even RR are willing to offer the all-rounder a long-term leadership role. The only teams who haven’t shown interest in Hardik are RCB and SRH.
CSK, however, are unlikely to offer the captaincy role for Hardik as they have already groomed and appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as the leader. The report states that CSK have remained patient in the trade talks involving Hardik and are ensuring that they make their entry at the right time to secure another blockbuster trade, having traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR for Sanju Samson before IPL 2026. The report states that the role of an influential figure in the CSK setup will be key to the success of the trade with MI.
CSK are in dire need for a firing all-rounder, something which their squad lacked in IPL 2026. Last month, CSK had ruled out showing any interest in a trade for Pandya
Further, the report states that, “Two highly respected former international captains have also expressed interest, one offered the captaincy, but the initial discussions did not materialise into anything meaningful. A fresh round of talks cannot be ruled out in the North, especially if conversations continue to gather pace in the South.”
The report further claims that MI will have to take a call on Pandya before addressing the future of one of his unnamed teammates. Most importantly, MI will have to seek the consent of Hardik before taking any call relating to his trade.
After leading Gujarat Titans for two seasons, Hardik Pandya was traded to MI in 2024 where he replaced Rohit Sharma as captain. The move didn’t sit well with the fans and critics. Under the all-rounder’s captaincy, MI failed to qualify for the IPL Playoffs in 2 out of 3 seasons, with the team narrowly avoiding a bottom-placed finish in the IPL 2026 standings. (10th in 2024, 3rd in 2025, 9th in 2026).
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CSK express interest in Hardik Pandya trade, 7 IPL franchises in talks with MI
