As the IPL auction gets closer, trade rumours are gathering pace, leaving fans wondering which reports to believe. Discussions between franchises can lead to genuine interest, but that does not mean every proposed deal reaches the finish line.
The Hardik Pandya–Axar Patel trade has been one of the biggest talking points. Rumours have suggested that the deal is almost complete, with Hardik moving to Delhi Capitals and Axar heading to Mumbai Indians alongside another player.
However, Delhi Capitals’ latest posts tell a very different story. The franchise and co-owner Parth Jindal have all but confirmed that Axar remains part of their plans for IPL 2027, effectively shutting down talk of the proposed swap.
Hardik Pandya–Axar Patel Trade: Delhi Capitals Send Their Message
On October 19, Delhi Capitals posted a video featuring Axar with the caption:
“Dilli Bapu ka Ghar hai 💙❤️”
The message presents Delhi as Axar’s home at a time when rumours have been linking him with a move away. In the video, Axar also speaks about arriving in Delhi feeling like coming home.
Against the backdrop of the trade speculation, this reads as a deliberate move by the franchise to stop the rumours. Instead of issuing a lengthy denial, Delhi put Axar’s connection with the team at the centre of its response.
Parth Jindal Makes Delhi’s Position Even Clearer
Just 10 minutes later, Jindal shared the franchise’s post and added:
“Ax bhaii, hamara Ax bhai – can’t wait to see you in the red and blue – we have unfinished business @DelhiCapitals”
His reference to seeing Axar in Delhi’s colours and completing unfinished business makes this more than a general appreciation post. It is a public expression of the co-owner’s expectation that Axar will continue with the franchise.
Jindal’s message also carries weight because of Delhi Capitals’ management structure. The franchise is jointly owned by GMR and JSW, with cricket operations rotating between the two groups every two years.
GMR oversaw the men’s team for 2025 and 2026, with JSW scheduled to take over for 2027. Jindal’s involvement on the JSW side therefore makes his backing particularly relevant to the team’s plans for the coming season. Major decisions remain collaborative between the ownership groups.
What Does This Mean for Hardik’s Proposed Move?
There have been reports of discussions over a trade involving Hardik and Axar, but talks and a completed agreement are different things. Delhi’s latest public position suggests those discussions have not produced the swap being circulated as almost final.
Axar is central to that proposed exchange. If Delhi are keeping him, the reported arrangement sending Hardik to DC in return for Axar and another player cannot proceed in that form.
Taken together, the franchise’s post and Jindal’s follow-up amount to near-confirmation that Axar is staying and the proposed Hardik–Axar trade is not happening. Neither post explicitly announces a cancelled deal, but Delhi’s message is difficult to reconcile with claims that Axar’s departure is already settled.
This conclusion concerns the proposed swap with Delhi Capitals. It does not establish Mumbai Indians’ position on every other possible arrangement involving Hardik.
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