Not CSK! R Ashwin leaks which franchise is 'at top of the list' for Hardik Pandya in IPL 2027

"There have been conversations that Dhoni will personally convince Hardik Pandya to come to CSK. It will be a great addition for CSK. But in my opinion, it is a real long shot. From what I've heard, RR are at the top of the list in the Hardik trade," Ashwin said.

Hardik Pandya’s turbulent tenure as Mumbai Indians captain

Hardik Pandya’s high-profile return to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 via a trade from Gujarat Titans was envisioned as a grand homecoming. However, taking over the captaincy from five-time IPL-winning skipper Rohit Sharma led to immediate friction and a challenging environment both on and off the field.

Individual returns for Hardik also witnessed a drop in 2026. After being retained for Rs 16.35 crore, he managed just 206 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 138.25 and picked up four wickets, a noticeable decline from his 224-run and 14-wicket effort in 2025.

With head coach Mahela Jayawardene officially departing MI on October 16, 2026, and reports suggesting Rohit Sharma could be reinstated as captain to restore stability following a tumultuous three-year run with Hardik at the helm, the stage appears set for MI and Hardik to part ways.

Why Hardik's move to CSK couldn't be materialised?

While many analysts felt CSK’s core culture could rehabilitate Hardik’s form under MS Dhoni's leadership, structural backroom shifts have complicated the equation.

In September 2026, Chennai Super Kings appointed former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new Head Coach, replacing long-serving coach Stephen Fleming. Reports indicate that unresolved historical friction between Zaheer and Hardik—originating from Zaheer's prior stint in the Mumbai Indians management setup—makes a direct trade deal between CSK and MI highly unlikely.

Though Dhoni's influence remains a powerful factor, the tactical dynamics of CSK's newly formed coaching hierarchy present a hurdle for any immediate deal.

What could lure Hardik Pandya to Rajasthan Royals?

Rajasthan Royals emerging at the top of the trade list presents a intriguing dynamic for IPL 2027:

Pace-Bowling All-Rounder Void: RR has consistently lacked an elite Indian fast-bowling all-rounder who can balance their middle order and provide four overs of seam bowling.

Leadership & Tactical Freedom: Joining RR would grant Hardik a pivotal tactical role in a squad rich with young, explosive talent, allowing him to bat higher up the order much like his successful championship-winning stint with Gujarat Titans in 2022.

RR possesses the required player assets and purse flexibility to structure an equitable trade with Mumbai Indians before the November 15 retention deadline.

Other Franchises Circling the All-Rounder

Beyond Rajasthan Royals, multiple teams are actively monitoring Hardik’s availability:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): KKR are searching for a high-profile captain following Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement from IPL cricket. Hardik's championship pedigree makes him an attractive target to lead the purple patch.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Following Rishabh Pant’s departure back to Delhi Capitals, LSG are actively hunting for a marquee Indian icon to lead their marquee lineup and rebalance their squad.

With the retention deadline set for November 15, 2026, and the mini-auction taking place on December 16 in Goa, the coming weeks will reveal where one of India's premier all-rounders lands for the 2027 season.

Hardik Pandya’s prolonged absence from competitive action has drawn significant concern as the all-rounder remains on the sidelines. He has not featured in a single competitive match since May 24, 2026, when he took the field for Mumbai Indians in their final league encounter of the IPL 2026 season against Rajasthan Royals.

During that fixture at the Wankhede Stadium, Pandya endured a quiet evening, scoring 16 runs and going wicketless in his two overs as MI bowed out of the tournament with a disappointing ninth-place finish. Since that outing, the 33-year-old has been out of action across both domestic red-ball and international white-ball fixtures, further compounding worries surrounding his match fitness and rhythm.

With the IPL 2027 trade window heating up and rumors linking him to franchises like Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants, Hardik’s extended stint away from the pitch presents a unique challenge. Prospective suitors will be monitoring his recovery and fitness closely, hoping the star all-rounder can regain full match sharpness before the upcoming season kicks off.

How did MI perform under Hardik Pandya's captaincy?

Mumbai Indians' journey since Hardik Pandya took over the captaincy ahead of the 2024 season has been marked by turbulence, shifting locker-room dynamics, and a steep decline in on-field results compared to their five-time title era under Rohit Sharma.

IPL 2024: Taking charge amidst immense fan scrutiny and internal friction, Hardik's leadership debut proved disastrous. Mumbai Indians endured a miserable campaign, winning only 4 and losing 10 out of their 14 league matches. They finished dead bottom at 10th position on the points table with 8 points and a net run rate of -0.318.

IPL 2025: The franchise showed signs of recovery during the 2025 season. MI managed a more balanced campaign in the league stage, winning 8 and losing 6 of their 14 matches to secure 16 points. They finished 4th in the points table and qualified for the playoffs, though they failed to make the championship match.

IPL 2026: The struggles returned in 2026 as the team failed to find any consistent rhythm. MI managed only 4 wins while suffering 10 defeats across their 14 league fixtures, mirroring their 2024 tally. They finished 9th in the points table with 8 points, missing out on the playoffs entirely and capping off a disappointing three-year cycle.

Across these three seasons under Hardik's captaincy, Mumbai Indians played 42 league matches, winning just 16 and losing 26. These underwhelming returns, combined with external pressures and locker-room strain, ultimately pushed the franchise toward sweeping coaching changes and high-profile trade discussions ahead of the 2027 season.