Hardik Pandya is linked to join Mumbai Indians (Source: AFP Photos)
Hardik Pandya, India’s best fast-bowling all-rounder since Kapil Dev, is not having a good time lately, whether it is on the field or off the field. Coupled with injury setbacks one after another, his second stint with Mumbai Indians (MI) not going any positive direction made him find a new home for IPL 2027.
Recently, Hardik was linked to joining Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2027. The trade deal involved Yashasvi Jaiswal going in the opposite direction. In between, there is a new development coming, with the reports emerging that the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain could join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the next season.
How Can KKR Get Hardik Pandya Trade Deal Done?
Trent Boult, one of their most expensive players in IPL 2026 with a whopping INR 12.5 Crore salary, did not perform well at all. So, they would look for an overseas pacer, and Matheesha Pathirana fits the bill.
Let’s not forget that Lasith Malinga is in charge of the bowling department of MI. Therefore, Matheesha Pathirana, coupled with another not so high-profile individual, could be enough for KKR to get the Hardik Pandya trade deal done.
KKR Strongest XI For IPL 2027 With Hardik Pandya In
Openers: Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK)
With Hardik joining, KKR will no longer need Ajinkya Rahane at the top. Rahane, KKR captain for IPL 2026, had only 335 runs at a questionable strike rate of 135.08.
In his place, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who can keep wickets as well, will have an opener alongside Finn Allen.
Middle Order Batters: Cameron Green, Hardik Pandya (C), Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell
Leaving Rahane out would allow Cameron Green to bat at No. 3, a position he prefers to bat. With Finn Allen and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at the top, Green is a perfect fit for KKR to go bonkers in order to make a fearsome top order unit.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya-KKR Trade Faces 1 Major Roadblock
Simultaneously, Hardik Pandya, coming as captain which KKR desperately need, can bat at No. 4, a position he primarily batted during his Gujarat Titans days. Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell will follow him, making it look one of the strongest middle order units in the tournament.
Lower Order All-Rounders: Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine
KKR will have Harshit Rana back in the mix during IPL 2027, and a Hardik Pandya trade will help them bat deep, as well as more bowling options.
Harshit will have the company of Sunil Narine and Anukul Roy, two of the most consistent performers in IPL 2026, in the lower middle order.
Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Saurabh Dubey & impact sub Kartik Tyagi
Varun Chakaravarthy and newly-emerged Saurabh Dubey will keep their places in KKR XI for IPL 2027. To add more reinforcements, Kartik Tyagi will come in as an impact substitute to replace Finn Allen.
KKR Strongest XI For IPL 2027 With Hardik Pandya Included
Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Cameron Green, Hardik Pandya (C), Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Saurabh Dubey
Impact Sub: Kartik Tyagi In For Finn Allen
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Challenged By Another Pacer; ICC Declares New No. 1 In Rankings
