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The outgoing Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has emerged as the biggest name in the IPL trade market after reports suggested that the five-time champions are willing to part ways with the star all-rounder following a disappointing IPL 2026 season.
According to a report in TOI, as many as seven franchises have expressed interest in acquiring Hardik Pandya. Chennai Super Kings have reportedly entered the race alongside Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, while other teams are also exploring possibilities.
However, the report claimed that only Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have stayed away from the race so far. While Hardik remains one of the most valuable Indian players in T20 cricket, a look at the squad composition of both franchises offers several reasons why RCB and SRH may not view him as a priority signing heading into IPL 2027.
Why might RCB not be interested in Hardik Pandya?
RCB have won two back-to-back IPL titles and have built a squad that already contains multiple players capable of performing roles similar to Hardik Pandya’s.
Unlike some franchises that are actively looking for an Indian all-rounder or captain, Bengaluru appear to have a relatively settled squad. As a result, acquiring Hardik may not be a necessity despite his stature.
RCB already have their all-rounder and finisher roles covered
Hardik Pandya’s biggest strength is his ability to contribute with his bowling and finish games in the lower middle order. However, RCB already possess several players who occupy similar spaces within the playing XI.
Their squad includes, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell and even Tim David for that matter.
Hardik Pandya would undoubtedly improve the squad, but he would also overlap with roles that are already covered rather than addressing a major weakness.
Krunal Pandya’s presence reduces the urgency
Another important factor could be the presence of Krunal Pandya. The experienced all-rounder already provides balance with both bat and ball while also bringing leadership experience to the squad.
Although Hardik Pandya is a more impactful T20 player overall, RCB may not see the need to invest heavily in another high-profile all-rounder when Krunal is already performing a similar balancing role in the team structure.
There have also been rumours of a rift between the brothers, and if such is the case, the RCB team environment would be ruined.
RCB’s batting core is already settled
RCB’s likely batting order already looks strong and settled. A potential lineup could include Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Venkatesh Iyer, Tim David and Jitesh Sharma
Hardik Pandya naturally operates between No. 5 and No. 7.
The challenge is that RCB already have Tim David, Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd competing for those positions. As a result, Hardik would be strengthening an area where RCB already have multiple options rather than filling a vacant role.
RCB may prioritise bowling depth over another all-rounder
If Mumbai Indians demand significant compensation as part of a trade, RCB could decide that investing those resources elsewhere makes more sense.
Their bigger concern may be strengthening their bowling reserves rather than adding another premium all-rounder.
Successful franchises often avoid making expensive moves unless they solve a specific problem, and Hardik Pandya may not fit that category for Bengaluru.
Leadership is no longer a requirement
One of Hardik’s biggest attractions is his captaincy experience. However, RCB already have Rajat Patidar leading the side and finally appear to have achieved stability in the leadership department.
That means Bengaluru would only be acquiring Hardik the player rather than Hardik the captain, which naturally reduces his overall value to the franchise.
Why might SRH not be interested in Hardik Pandya?
If RCB’s decision can be linked to squad balance, SRH’s reasoning may be even more straightforward.
The Hyderabad-based franchise already possesses many of the qualities that Hardik Pandya would bring to the side.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is already developing into SRH’s long-term all-rounder
This is arguably the biggest reason, as Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as one of the most exciting young Indian all-rounders in the country.
He offers middle-order power-hitting, useful pace bowling, long-term potential and Indian core value
SRH have spent several seasons developing him and may not want to block his growth by bringing in another player who occupies a similar role.
While Hardik is currently the superior player, franchises rarely invest heavily in a star when they already possess a younger option developing in the same position.
No captaincy vacancy at SRH
Hardik Pandya’s value increases significantly when captaincy is part of the package. At SRH, that opportunity simply does not exist as Pat Cummins remains the leader of the project and continues to be one of the franchise’s most important figures.
After guiding SRH to an IPL final and transforming their culture, Cummins remains central to Hyderabad’s plans. Other than Pat Cummins, SRH have Ishan Kishan, who has proven his leadership skills on the IPL level as a result, SRH would only be acquiring Hardik the all-rounder rather than Hardik the captain.
SRH’s batting unit is already loaded
Hyderabad already possess one of the strongest batting groups in the competition. Their core includes, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen
Adding Hardik Pandya would certainly increase the quality of the squad, but it would be more of a luxury addition than a pressing requirement.
SRH may prefer investing in bowling upgrades
If significant resources become available, Sunrisers Hyderabad may feel that strengthening their bowling attack offers better value than acquiring another batting all-rounder.
Their batting unit already contains enough firepower to compete with any team in the competition. As a result, Hardik Pandya may not be viewed as the missing piece.
Hardik remains one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. However, franchises increasingly focus on long-term squad planning. SRH already have a younger Indian all-rounder in Nitish Kumar Reddy whom they can build around for the next five to seven years. That long-term outlook may make a blockbuster move for Hardik less appealing.
Purse considerations could also play a role
Another factor that cannot be ignored is finances. RCB finished the auction with just ₹0.25 crore remaining in their purse, while SRH were left with ₹5.45 crore after finalising their squad.
Any potential Hardik Pandya trade is unlikely to be inexpensive, especially given his stature and market value. If Mumbai Indians are seeking significant compensation, both franchises may simply feel that the cost does not justify disrupting already settled squads.
