3 weeks ago
Ashwin says Hardik Pandya trade only realistic for CSK, KKR
Hardik Pandya is a famous cricket player who captains the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, a big cricket contest between city teams.
His team did not win enough games to reach the playoffs for two years in a row.
Because of that, people think Mumbai might trade him to another team.
Two teams talked about in the news are the Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders.
A former player named R Ashwin said Hardik would probably only be traded to one of those two teams.
Ashwin also said Mumbai should only accept a deal with Kolkata if they get two good players, Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh, in return.
Chennai Super Kings are making big changes because their head coach Stephen Fleming is leaving.
Kolkata Knight Riders need a new captain because their skipper Ajinkya Rahane retired.
So this story is about a star player who may soon be moving to a new team.
R Ashwin said Hardik Pandya will not be pursued by any team outside Chennai Super Kings or Kolkata Knight Riders, who are desperate for a reset.
Reports link the 32-year-old Mumbai Indians captain to trade discussions with CSK and KKR after the IPL 2026 season.
Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the Playoffs in two successive seasons under Pandya's captaincy.
CSK announced Stephen Fleming's exit as head coach after 17 years (one report says 18 years), while KKR face a leadership void after Ajinkya Rahane's retirement.
Ashwin said MI should only accept a KKR deal if Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh come in return, and warned MI to consider which rival gains more strength.
- Who
- Hardik Pandya, captain of the Mumbai Indians, with commentary from former India all-rounder R Ashwin; Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are the linked teams.
- What
- Reports of a potential blockbuster IPL trade involving Hardik Pandya, with Ashwin saying only CSK or KKR would pursue him.
- Where
- Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, involving Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
- When
- After the IPL 2026 season, following two successive seasons without playoff qualification for Mumbai Indians.
- Why
- Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the Playoffs under Pandya's captaincy, while CSK and KKR are seeking a reset amid coaching and leadership changes.
Key facts
- Player
- Hardik Pandya (aged 32)
- Current team
- Mumbai Indians (MI captain)
- Reported linked teams
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Reason for trade buzz
- MI failed to qualify for the Playoffs in two successive seasons
- Ashwin's view
- Pandya will not be pursued by any team other than CSK or KKR
- CSK change
- Stephen Fleming exiting as head coach after 17 years (one report says 18)
- KKR change
- Captain Ajinkya Rahane retired after last season
- IPL titles
- MI and CSK are five-time champions; KKR are three-time champions
Quotes
Ravichandran Ashwin
Former India cricketer and current commentator
“Don’t count out Hardik going to a franchise other than CSK or KKR. The talks are that CSK will give Dube and a pacer, while KKR gives away Cameron Green. If I were MI, I would accept a deal with KKR on only one condition, which is getting Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh in return.”
livemint.com
Sources
Related news
Hardik Pandya Trade Rumours: KKR, CSK Interested in Star All-Rounder
Hardik Pandya-KKR trade possible on one condition, five deals listed
Mumbai Indians Post Fuels Fresh Speculation Over Hardik Pandya's Future
Potential Hardik Pandya IPL trade could reshape tournament
Pandya Mimics Chakaravarthy; KKR Post Fuels IPL 2027 Trade Rumors
Delhi Capitals' Cryptic Post Sparks Hardik Pandya IPL Trade Buzz
BCCI Tightens Selection Policy Amid Rising Player Injuries
India Names Afghanistan T20I Squad Amid Four Fitness Concerns
Morkel: Heat, Humidity and Soft Ball India's Biggest Test Challenges
Injured Washington Sundar Likely to Miss Sri Lanka Test Series
