Hardik Pandya’s much-discussed Indian Premier League (IPL) future ahead of 2027 is likely to take a fresh turn as multiple trade talks with the Mumbai Indians (MI) are likely to collapse in the middle. Trading out a player of Hardik Pandya’s calibre is not easy for any of the franchises in the league, as bringing one on board will cost either a hefty fee or massive trade deals.
Multiple reports previously suggested that franchises like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Delhi Capitals (DC) and the Lucknow Super Kings (LSG), these four franchises were reportedly interested in the pace bowling all-rounder.
Hardik Pandya’s trade deal is unlikely to take place
But according to a recent CricBlogger report, none of the deals are likely to go through. And if talks do not meet expectations, then Hardik Pandya will have no second option but to stay loyal to the Mumbai Indians. If he remains with the five-time champions, then will the team management allow him to continue as the skipper? This question always remains.
A few other reports in the recent past suggested that, for the leadership role, the MI management has already started conversations for the next skipper. In one possibility, Tilak Varma could emerge as the face of the team. Former captains of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, are also with the team, but they are not likely to become the next Mumbai Indians captain.
Hardik Pandya to play under the leadership of Tilak Varma?
Considering the age and potential, Tilak Varma is considered the leading contender to become the next MI captain, as some of the media reports have claimed. If Varma becomes the new captain with Hardik Pandya in the team, then the experienced all-rounder will have to play under the leadership of Varma, which will mark another interesting chapter in his career.
CricBlogger, in their report, mentioned that Delhi Capitals went far enough to seal a deal for Pandya. But MI’s demand for the DC captain and their spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel is believed to be the main reason for the collapse of the deal. CSK was heavily involved with MI to get the all-rounder. But the appointment of Zaheer Khan as the head coach has changed all the equations.
Zaheer Khan is not on speaking terms with Hardik Pandya
CricBlogger has claimed that Zaheer Khan and Pandya are not on speaking terms. So it is now unlikely to see Hardik joining the Chennai Super Kings in the presence of Zaheer. Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders are the two other franchises that were in the race to acquire the services of the star cricketer. But none of the franchises were willing to surrender their key players.
An all-cash deal was another option, but that also was not possible then because of the budget-related issues. Still, there will be plenty of time for a Pandya deal, as the transfer market will remain open even after the mini auction ahead of the IPL 2027 season.