Hardik Pandya Trade: Nicholas Pooran involved as five teams explore trade deal with MI

As per many reports, Hardik Pandya might not play for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2027.

The star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya last played the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, where he captained Mumbai Indians (MI). Under his leadership, the franchise finished ninth on the points table and failed to qualify for the playoffs second time in three seasons under him.

Pandya has not yet played an international game after IPL 2026 because of his injury recovery. He has shifted his base to Bengaluru for his regular training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) and is reportedly close to full fitness. He is expected to feature in the upcoming West Indies ODI series this September.

Despite being out of action, Pandya has not been out of news. There were reports of him getting traded to another IPL franchise. It was learned that things turned bad between MI and Pandya amid IPL 2026, especially after team’s poor performance, and the team owners are not willing to retain him.

There are many franchises who are reportedly in line to rope in the all-rounder to their team. Below is the complete report and the list of teams who have shown interest in getting Hardik Pandya.

LSG, RR, KKR among others considering Hardik Pandya trade – Reports

Before coming back to MI in 2024, Hardik led Gujarat Titans (GT) for two years in 2022 and 2023, where they reached the IPL Final both times with title coming in 2022.

Hardik is a proven match winner and still 32 years old. He has won four IPL titles with MI and once leading GT. A player of his quality and stature would be sought after by several teams.

Cricbuzz has reported that Rajasthan Royals (RR) and MI could engage in a Yashasvi Jaiswal-Hardik Pandya trade off. This would benefit both teams as MI are in need of an Indian opener after Rohit Sharma while RR will get a perfect finisher in the team.

Delhi Capitals (DC) could offer Axar Patel in return for Hardik. There have been reports suggesting KL Rahul as the new captain for DC and hence this trade could be executed.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) too are interested but they do not wish to part ways with any marquee players. However, Cameron Green could be considered but his availability is uncertain given the Ashes after IPL 2027.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who are also looking for a new skipper after the trade of Rishabh Pant, are weighing their options with Nicholas Pooran being traded for the Indian all-rounder.

There were several reports claiming a trade-off between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and MI for Hardik and Shivam Dube along with one another CSK player; however, CSK maintain that they have not seriously considered Hardik. The decision will be left to their new coach.

Amidst all this, MI are yet to decide if Hardik will be available for trade. He may not be traded at all. Despite approach from some franchises, the talks are still at an early stage. There have been no official announcements from any franchises yet, however, the trade talks are on.

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