Rumours about a possible mid-season or post-season trade involving Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya have been dismissed by the franchise camp. There has been speculation on social media about the star all-rounder joining another team after MI endured a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign.
Mumbai Indians recently faced Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on Thursday, May 14. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah led the side in the match as regular captain Hardik remained unavailable. They are at second from the bottom on the table with four wins in 12 matches and are already out of playoff contention.
Key Points
- Mumbai Indians have reportedly dismissed rumours of trading Hardik Pandya after IPL 2026.
- Speculation linked Hardik Pandya with possible moves to CSK and Delhi Capitals.
- MI clarified that no trade discussions involving Hardik are taking place.
Will Hardik Pandya Be Traded After IPL 2026?
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Mumbai Indians camp clarified the situation around Hardik Pandya to stop the growing speculation. The franchise ruled out any possibility of trading the all-rounder to another team. Team management is not discussing or considering any trade during the ongoing season.
Social media rumours recently linked Pandya with a move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC). The speculation increased because of his long absence from the playing XI and his reported connections with officials from other franchises.
Hardik Pandya joined the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 after a high-profile move from the Gujarat Titans (GT). He led the Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022 and the final in 2023. Under his captaincy, the Mumbai Indians missed the playoffs in 2024, qualified in 2025, and failed to reach the playoffs in 2026.
Hardik Pandya Misses Matches Due to Back Spasms and Fitness Concerns
The main reason behind Hardik’s absence from the playing XI is a fitness issue rather than any internal problem within the franchise. The 32-year-old has been dealing with back spasms since MI’s match against Chennai Super Kings on May 2, which has limited his availability for recent games.
Hardik did not travel with the squad to Dharamsala for the match against the Punjab Kings. He has missed three straight matches, including games in Mumbai and Raipur. Suryakumar Yadav captained the side in two of those matches before Jasprit Bumrah took over leadership duties in the latest fixture.
Despite the injury concerns, Hardik recently trained late at night at the Reliance Corporate Park as he continues his recovery. However, the medical staff have not yet given him full clearance to return to competitive cricket.
Hardik Pandya’s Poor IPL 2026 Form Raises Questions Over Captaincy and Role
The experienced all-rounder has struggled to make a strong impact with both bat and ball during IPL 2026. His poor form has increased questions around his captaincy and overall role in the playing XI.
Hardik has scored only 146 runs in eight innings this season. He averages below 21 with the bat and has a strike rate of 136.44. He has also failed to deliver the quick finishing knocks that the Mumbai Indians expected from him in close matches.
His bowling form has also disappointed this season. Hardik has taken only four wickets while conceding runs at nearly 12 per over. Mumbai Indians will next face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on May 20.
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