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Ambati Rayudu, the former CSK star, opined that a trade between any of the CSK players and MI skipper Hardik Pandya seems highly unlikely. The claims came following the recent speculations that claimed that Hardik Pandya will soon make a move into the CSK squad.
Chennai Super Kings were snubbed from a spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs after their three consecutive defeats in the 2026 season. This was their first full season under their skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, as MS Dhoni was no longer a part of the franchise for the entire season.
On the other hand, Hardik Pandya, the star Indian all-rounder, is most likely to switch to another team in the history of the IPL. Pandya has struggled while captaining the Mumbai Indians, and the franchise is much more likely to make a change for their upcoming season.
“It’s a great deal but not for CSK”: Ambati Rayudu on Hardik Pandya’s possible trade to CSK
Ambati Rayudu was recently asked whether Hardik Pandya’s move to CSK seems the right decision for either of the two teams in a trade deal that would include Chennai players Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre.
“Hardik Pandya is going to CSK, Ayush Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad are coming to CSK. How good a deal is that?” asked the presenter on the Trick or Trade show on ESPNcricinfo.
“I think it’s a great deal, but not for CSK. Because you would want Rutu and Ayush to be there,” said the ex-CSK star. Ambati Rayudu opined that the two batters are crucial to the Chennai Super Kings team.
“If Hardik wants to come to CSK, he should enter the auction” – Ambati Rayudu
Rayudu also opined that if Hardik Pandya, the seasoned all-rounder, is making his way into the CSK side, then he is likely to enter the auction. Only then would he be an essential deal for the Super Kings.
Rayudu said, “Ideally, if Hardik wants to come to CSK, he needs to enter the auction.” He was asked if Rayudu would bring Hardik into the CSK side in exchange for any other player in the squad, but the ex-CSK star added that no, he currently loves the way the Chennai Super Kings bat.
“Hardik’s inclusion will be great, but maybe release Prashant Veer and get some money in and request Hardik to get into the auction.” Hardik to CSK is not happening outside of an auction, as Rayudu claimed, “I love the way these guys have come back this season. They have titles in the dugout in CSK, and hence, they need to have confidence and that continuity.”
“You can’t give up a guy who has won two titles for CSK,” Rayudu opined on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s possible snub
Ruturaj Gaikwad rose to prominence in the IPL after having won two titles with the Chennai Super Kings in 2021 and 2023, where he also finished as the highest-scoring batter of the side. He mentions that both Gaikwad and Ayush should be part of the team in their upcoming seasons as well.
“You can’t give a guy who has two title wins for CSK the title of highest run-getter in terms of Ruturaj Gaikwad just because he has had one bad season. I don’t think the trade is happening, but it is not a great trade,” said the Ex-CSK star.
Does Ambati Rayudu approve of a Hardik Pandya trade to CSK? 👀 pic.twitter.com/FHmCIsZBm9
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 28, 2026
