![KKR team and Hardik Pandya [Source: BCCI and AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1786434021476_KKRteamandHardikPandya.jpg?type=hq)
KKR team and Hardik Pandya [Source: BCCI and AFP]
The Hardik Pandya-KKR trade deal has been the talk of the town ever since Mumbai Indian’s poor IPL 2026 exit. The Indian all-rounder is currently spoilt for choices as multiple franchises are reportedly eyeing his services after cracks between the player and the team management surfaced.
Out of franchises like DC, RR, and LSG, only Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders emerge as the top contenders. Now, CSK is amid turmoil with their upcoming coach in place of Stephen Fleming, and hence KKR’s chances of acquiring Pandya appear to be the most likely.
MI and KKR involved trade
Although in a recent rumour, MI has reportedly stated that they have not thought about the Hardik Pandya IPL 2027 trade yet, let’s take a look at the list of players Kolkata Knight Riders can afford to trade for the premier fast bowling all-rounder of India.
Interestingly enough, MI would be requiring a bowler and a batter in exchange for Hardik. Letting go of a marquee all-rounder comes at a cost, and MI would likely benefit from it. Given that Kolkata insisted on an all-cash deal, here’s a look at the players the team can afford if things come down to a dealbreaker.
1) Tejasvi Dahiya and Umran Malik
Kolkata Knight Riders already have a talented young wicketkeeper-batter in their squad whom they have been nursing for a long time, that is Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
Now, Tejasvi Dahiya was roped in the IPL 2026 auction and has not shown promise in the two matches he played. However, he is a solid middle-order batter who can play responsibly, as someone MI would like in place of Hardik.
Although the stature is unequal between Pandya and Dahiya, Umran Malik’s addition might sweeten it for the Ambanis.
Umran Malik, the Jammu and Kashmir pacer, possesses raw pace talent, clocking at 157 kph and fiery, hard-length bowling. Although he has been out of the competition since 2024 due to a hip stress fracture, he remains a likely lethal bowling option.
In IPL 2026, he bowled in the nets and is expected to be fit ahead of the IPL 2027 season, making a strong case for the KKR-Hardik Pandya trade ahead of the next season.
Also Read- Cameron Green For Hardik Pandya Trade On The Brink Of Falling
2) Kartik Tyagi and Rachin Ravindra
Kartik Tyagi has been the highest wicket-taker for KKR in IPL 2026 with 18 wickets from 51 overs in 14 matches. The player who is new to the setup immediately made an impact with his fast bowling and can match the level of bowling that Pandya is at. Hence, he can be a decent offering for MI if Rachin Ravindra is also added to the deal.
Rachin, an otherwise explosive T20 batter who operates in the top order, has recently explored himself as a lead spin bowling option for his national team and has also been quite successful at it. In 2026 itself, Ravindra has managed to bag 12 wickets from 14 T20Is for New Zealand and has also been rocking the Test setup equally.
Although in the IPL, Rachin hasn't been trusted with the ball by CSK or KKR, MI can explore his duality as a spin bowling all-rounder. Overall, an emerging pacer alongside an explosive spin bowling all-rounder seems to be a solid package for a Hardik Pandya deal for KKR.
3) Ramandeep Singh and Anukul Roy
Ramandeep Singh is a talented and responsible batter in the lower middle order, someone who can accelerate at will while understanding the pace of the game. His recent exploits for KKR haven't been good, as in this season he has only produced 82 runs at an average of 16.40.
He started his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians, and returning to the side will add multiple benefits in terms of compatibility as well as a clear role in the team.
Adding Anukul Roy to the Hardik Pandya-KKR trade deal might lure MI, though. Roy has been in solid form as a spin bowling all-rounder for KKR. He featured in all 14 matches for Kolkata this season and struck at 133.33 with the bat while scalping 9 wickets for the team.
Overall, a left-arm bowler alongside a middle-order finisher for MI could work wonders if the blue camp is really looking forward to letting go of their skipper.
Players who are likely for the trade but KKR can’t afford to lose: Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Sunil Narine, Manish Pandey, Varun Chakaravarthy
Also Read- Hardik Pandya To KKR Trade Hinges On 1 Condition Given By MI, Says CSK Legend
