Hardik Pandya Trade: Which IPL Teams Can Realistically Afford Him?

Hardik Pandya with former CSK captain (Source: AFP)Hardik Pandya has become one of the most sought-after players since the all-rounder decided to leave Mumbai Indians (MI) after the five-time champions' disastrous campaign in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).Considering his IPL credentials, the race to sign the 32-year-old has intensified. Making his IPL debut in 2015, Hardik has so far played 162 matches, accumulating 2985 runs and 82 wickets and winning multiple IPL titles with Mumbai and capturing a debut-season trophy as captain of Gujarat Titans.Although Mumbai Indians have not made any official announcement regarding a trade, rumours continue to suggest that franchises are exploring the possibility of signing one of India’s best all-rounders ahead of the IPL 2027 season.Which teams are targeting Hardik Pandya in IPL 2027?While CSK have been linked the most with Hardik Pandya, reports suggest they are not the only franchise interested. Several other IPL teams are also reportedly monitoring the situation.According to reports, at least four IPL teams, namely Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals, have expressed interest in acquiring the all-rounder. 3-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders have also been linked with Hardik Pandya. Reports suggest KKR view him as a valuable all-round option who can contribute with both bat and ball.In June, talks emerged that Rajasthan too is one of the front-runners to sign Hardik in a trade deal with MI, with their opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal going the other way.Lastly, the Capitals are reportedly considering Pandya as a potential captain. The franchise is still searching for its maiden IPL title and believes an experienced leader could transform the team.That being said, in this article, let’s analyse which IPL franchises have the squad balance, leadership vacancy, and financial flexibility to realistically pursue him.Hardik Pandya to Chennai Super Kings1. Leadership VacancyCSK’s transition strategy post-MS Dhoni remains a focal point. Ruturaj Gaikwad holds the captaincy reins at present, and Sanju Samson was brought in as a potential leader. If Hardik doesn't demand the captain's armband immediately, his presence alongside Gaikwad would offer CSK an invincible core of experienced leadership.2. Squad FitCSK have long craved a fast-bowling all-rounder who can effortlessly bridge the gap between spin-heavy middle overs and death-overs hitting. Hardik’s ability to chip in with crucial seam overs at Chepauk while acting as a designated enforcer at No. 5 or No. 6 would solve CSK's lingering middle-order dependency issues.3. Financial FlexibilityAcquiring Hardik’s ₹16.35 crore pay-check via an all-cash trade would severely strain CSK’s purse ahead of the upcoming mini-auction. Consequently, a player-plus-cash trade looks far more realistic. Speculations suggest CSK might explore offering an established asset like Shivam Dube alongside a top-up fee. If CSK can balance the books without gutting their young domestic core, the yellow jersey offers Hardik the clearest path to career redemption.Hardik Pandya to Kolkata Knight Riders1. Leadership VacancyOf all four suitors, KKR boasts the most obvious leadership void. Despite now-retired Ajinkya Rahane’s appointment, following Shreyas Iyer’s exit, the purple brigade has struggled for long-term captaincy stability. Handing the reins to a proven IPL-winning skipper who led Gujarat Titans to back-to-back finals would give KKR the authoritative leader they desperately need.2. Squad FitInserting Pandya into a middle order alongside Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell would give the Eden Gardens-based franchise the most destructive finishing unit in the league. Furthermore, his medium pace provides vital insurance on flat Kolkata tracks.3. Financial FlexibilityKKR has never shied away from aggressive, marquee acquisitions; they recently acquired Cameron Green for a record-breaking ₹25.20 crore. However, taking on ₹16.35 crore without releasing high-value assets would prove challenging. Reports indicate KKR could explore player-swap deals featuring young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Rinku Singh. If KKR commits to an all-cash transaction, they must be comfortable running a slim squad depth for the rest of the auction.Hardik Pandya to Rajasthan Royals1. Leadership VacancyThe leadership dynamic at RR shifted after Riyan Parag’s elevation to a core leadership role. With Parag anchoring the tactical board, RR does not have an active captaincy vacancy to offer Hardik.2. Squad FitOn paper, RR's top order is stacked with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel, but their lower-middle order frequently lacks a reliable, big-hitting Indian seam all-rounder. Hardik would instantly elevate RR’s structural balance, allowing them to play an extra specialist spinner or overseas weapon.3. Financial FlexibilityTrade talks surrounding RR have reportedly centred on a blockbuster swap involving opening prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal moving to MI. Statistically and strategically, however, parting with a generational 24-year-old Indian opener to absorb an expensive, injury-prone all-rounder is a massive gamble for RR. Unless MI sweetened the deal significantly, the financial and structural math makes an RR move the least likely option.Hardik Pandya to Delhi Capitals1. Leadership VacancyDelhi Capitals have actively hunted for a transformational leader to break their long-standing title drought. With Rishabh Pant’s future continuously discussed post the high-profile trade, DC could view Hardik as a marquee captain who can reshape the franchise's fortunes.2. Squad FitDC’s squad has consistently suffered from a lack of elite Indian finishing power. Hardik’s inclusion at No. 5 would solve their middle-order collapses while offering 3–4 overs of crucial seam bowling, a luxury DC’s tactical setup has lacked in recent seasons.3. Financial FlexibilityDC possess the appetite to make a splurge and have reportedly floated trade packages involving experienced stars like Axar Patel or Prithvi Shaw to offset Hardik's ₹16.35 crore salary. If DC are willing to part with a high-profile player to land a captain, they have the willingness to make the numbers work.Final Verdict: Which IPL Teams Can Realistically Afford Hardik Pandya?When weighing up leadership necessity, tactical fit, and economic feasibility, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings emerge as the only two truly realistic destinations.KKR offers the most compelling package for Hardik individually, a guaranteed captaincy role, a flatter Eden Gardens surface tailor-made for his hitting, and a franchise eager to build around him.Meanwhile, CSK provides the most structurally balanced team environment and the ultimate stage for a career revival, provided they can structure a sensible player-swap deal with MI.While DC holds outside interest and RR remains a speculative trade partner, the battle for India's premier all-rounder realistically boils down to a blockbuster tug-of-war between Kolkata and Chennai.Also read: Mehidy Hasan Miraz Makes Bangladesh Dream With Fighting Hundred In 1st Outing In Australia