3 franchises who could consider acquiring Hardik Pandya via trade after IPL 2026
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Hardik Pandya might part ways with the Mumbai Indians ahead of next season.
Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya had a tough time as a player and as a captain in the Indian Premier League 2026. He could only score 206 runs in 10 games at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.26, failing to hit any fifties. With the ball, he picked just four wickets at an economy of 11.43.
Moreover, MI gave a disastrous performance under Hardik Pandya in IPL 2026, winning just four games out of 14. They finished at the 9th spot in the points table and were eliminated from the playoffs even before their last game of the league stage.
Ever since MI were eliminated from the tournament, reports of Pandya parting ways with MI after IPL 2026 have been doing the rounds. It is learned that, after another horrible season as MI skipper, Hardik does not wish to continue as the captain.
If Mumbai trade out Pandya ahead of next season, a few franchises will be eager to grab him into their squad. Below are 3 teams who would like to acquire Hardik Pandya in their squad after IPL 2026.
3 franchises that would be interested in trading Hardik Pandya from Mumbai Indians
3. Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the first franchise who can grab Hardik through a trade deal. Under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy, KKR gave a dismal performance in IPL 2026. They started the league with five consecutive defeats and could not qualify for the playoffs.
KKR are highly likely to drop Rahane as captain after another poor season. They need a few experienced players in their squad including a captain. Picking an all-rounder like Pandya will add depth to their batting and bowling, and also will give them a strong captaincy option.
2. Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals impressed with their performance in IPL 2026 by reaching the playoffs. Ahead of the 2026 season, RR made a big trade deal with Chennai Super Kings, adding all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to their squad in exchange for Sanju Samson.
Hence, they might also go with a similar approach ans trade Pandya from Mumbai. Adding a seam all-rounder like Pandya will be a big boost for the side.
1. Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have struggled for the last three seasons, failing to reach the playoffs. The five-time champions have lost their dominance in the IPL and need to sign a few big players to their squad.
During a clash between CSK and MI, Pandya’s talks with CSK CEO also triggered reports of his trade to Chennai. MS Dhoni has been a big finisher for CSK but might retire soon. Hence, Pandya will be a good replacement as a finisher. Also, with Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling as a leader, adding Pandya will cover that option as well.
Who is the captain of Mumbai Indians?
Hardik Pandya is the captain of Mumbai Indians.
What was Hardik Pandya’s record in IPL 2026?
He scored 206 runs and picked four wickets in 10 games.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.