'I'd give any two players for Hardik Pandya' - Kris Srikkanth makes bold CSK trade claim

Reports have emerged of Chennai Super Kings tabling a blockbuster offer to acquire Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027. The proposed trade discussions have centred on various player packages, with no official agreement reached between the two franchises as of now.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has weighed in on the potential move, expressing strong support for CSK's pursuit of the all-rounder.

"If I was the CSK owner, I would give any two players they ask for to get Hardik Pandya. Because Hardik's arrival will make CSK a gun team. He'll be a big value addition. But we are all speculating moves here without knowing officially if Hardik and MI are parting ways," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Srikkanth's enthusiasm for Hardik centres on the all-rounder's value to the franchise. In IPL 2026, Hardik scored 206 runs across 10 matches at a strike rate of 138.25 and took four wickets. MI finished ninth in the IPL 2026 table with four wins, a season that fuelled speculation about potential squad changes.

The trade discussions have included various proposed packages. One reported offer from MI's side included Shivam Dube, Ayush Mhatre and additional cash. CSK has also proposed an alternative package featuring Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, along with ₹10 crore in cash.

Srikkanth has also been critical of Shivam Dube's recent performances, suggesting that CSK should be willing to part with the batter as part of any deal. He questioned Dube's overall contribution to the team beyond statistical measures.

"I will willingly give Dube up in the Hardik trade if I was CSK. What can you achieve with Dube? Who will field for your team with him?. Fielding plays a major role in the IPL. His performance in the last three years of the IPL hasn't been great. Don't go by stats, go by performance," said Srikkanth.

The former captain's comments reflected the broader sentiment among cricket observers about the potential impact of bringing Hardik to CSK. However, as Srikkanth himself acknowledged, these remained speculative discussions without official confirmation from either franchise about the status of negotiations or whether Hardik and MI were indeed parting ways.