Hanuma Vihari names the franchise Hardik Pandya will '99.9%' join in trade deal ahead of IPL 2027
According to reports, Hardik Pandya could be on his way to joining a new franchise. He led the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the last three seasons of the IPL, but the results were underwhelming.
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According to reports, Hardik Pandya could be on his way to joining a new franchise. He led the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the last three seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), but the results were underwhelming.
In 2024, MI finished last on the points table. They did make the playoffs last year, but this season, they had to settle for the ninth position. There have been reports of a rift between players in the dressing room. In this scenario, Hardik could be shifting base for the third time in his IPL career.
While talking about Punjab Kings (PBKS) securing the services of Hardik Pandya ahead of the next season, Hanuma Vihari suggested that the Shreyas Iyer-led side should attempt to rope him in. However, the right-handed batter predicted that the Chennai Super Kings, in all likelihood, will sign Hardik in a trade deal.
"They can trade an all-rounder as well but the options are less. Hardik they wont get. I think 99.9% he will go to CSK. They have to somehow find a foreign all-rounder be it an Australian, or England, or South African. I feel that is the only loophole as such, otherwise the team is still set," he said on his YouTube channel.
Chennai also had a disappointing campaign, as they finished at No. 8. They struggled through the season, and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad couldn't lead by example. Apart from Chennai, another team that is reportedly interested in Hardik's services is the Kolkata Knight Riders. The three-time champions had a dismal start to the season, losing five out of their first six matches. However, a string of wins at the back end of the season helped them stay in contention for the playoffs till the final day of the league phase.
Pandya asked to obtain fitness clearance ahead of AFG ODIs
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane had a forgettable campaign, scoring just two fifties during the season. He hasn't been able to marshal his troops as well as he would have envisaged. KKR finished eighth in IPL 2025 and seventh this year under Rahane's leadership. If the Knights contemplate changing their captain, Hardik could be a great fit in that role.
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