Hardik Pandya’s future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is still unclear, with a lot of questions. Where will he finally join ahead of IPL 2027? Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are currently emerging as the frontrunner to rope in the pace-bowling all-rounder. But nothing is final yet, as there is multiple interest as well in the star cricketer.
A few weeks ago, it was believed that Hardik Pandya joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was only a matter of time. The situation changed drastically. Now, if the latest reports are to be believed, then pushing CSK behind, KKR is now leading the race to secure Hardik Pandya’s signing.
What is the future of Hardik Pandya in IPL?
Despite poor outings with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the past few seasons, Hardik Pandya is still arguably the best pace-bowling Indian all-rounder. Because of his experience, skills, and leadership qualities, only a lucrative deal could allow Pandya to join any rival camp. Mumbai Indians retained their skipper for Rs 16.35 crore, but the price tag is expected to be even bigger when MI officials consider any deal.
Because of the higher salary cap, the franchise could tap into trade, a deal involving players and money. According to CricBlogger, Mumbai Indians demanded players like Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh from the Kolkata Knight Riders, but the Knight Riders were not willing to leave Harshit and Rinku.
An all-cash deal between KKR and MI?
Therefore, a player-plus-cash deal, at this point at least, between KKR and MI took place. But the Kolkata-based franchise is still keen on taking Hardik Pandya on board through a cash-only deal. As they are reportedly not interested in letting go of any of their core team players, only a cash deal remains as a possible option. If KKR can activate a cash deal, needless to say, they will have to spend a lot.
On paper and in the current circumstances, Kolkata Knight Riders are looking like the best fit for Hardik Pandya. According to various media reports, Pandya wants a leadership role wherever he joins ahead of 2027, and KKR needs a new skipper, especially after the retirement of Ajinkya Rahane. Pandya’s strength in batting and bowling will help Knight Riders to balance their squad as well.
“With so many roadblocks, KKR looks like the most viable option for Pandya at this stage,” a source told the CricBlogger.
Disagreement between CSK and MI as well
The cricket news platform also claimed that Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants are also interested in Hardik. But none of the interest has been transformed into a confirmed deal yet because of the demands placed by the Mumbai Indians. None of the franchises want to leave any of their top-tier talents to get another top-tier talent.
CSK might have offered Shivam Dube and Khaleel Ahmed, but MI demanded Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, and Anshul Kamboj-like players from them, which is unlikely to happen, as the report claimed.
On the other side, Rajasthan Royals do not want Yashasvi Jaiswal to leave, and Lucknow Super Giants have no desire to part with Nicholas Pooran and Mohsin Khan.