Hardik Pandya-KKR Deal For IPL 2027! 1 More Team In Fray

Hardik Pandya and KKR [Source: AFP and AP]

There appears to be a tug-of-war between multiple parties for Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya. On Tuesday, June 23, several reports claimed that the KKR franchise is interested in acquiring the legendary Indian all-rounder for next year’s IPL 2027 season.

Earlier on the same day, the LSG and Delhi Capitals completed a successful trade between Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav. Setting off IPL 2027 preparations with player trading, it appears that franchises have already started lining up in a bid to rope in the Mumbai Indians all-rounder. 

KKR management approaches Mumbai Indians for Hardik Pandya

As reported by the PTI on June 23, the KKR franchise has approached the Mumbai Indians team management for Hardik Pandya for next year’s IPL 2027 season. The report also stated that there have been a few rounds of discussions between the two franchises. 

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It is worth noting that Pandya’s second coming to the Mumbai Indians franchise has been a controversial one. After joining the team for IPL 2024, the cricketer was instantly appointed as captain in favor of Rohit Sharma, thus drawing much flak from fans of the legendary opener. 

Moreover, under Pandya’s leadership, Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the playoffs twice in three seasons, and lost to Punjab Kings in the qualifier of IPL 2025 last year. 

With KKR also suffering from a captaincy dilemma with struggling skipper Ajinkya Rahane, their management has now approached Mumbai Indians to get Hardik Pandya for a possible leadership role in future seasons, as stated by an anonymous source. 

The sources, however, have not been able to confirm if Pandya will be traded off to KKR in exchange of another player or will it be an all-cash deal.  It is worth noting that it has already been reported that Hardik Pandya's trade discussions are on between MI and Rajasthan Royals (RR) too.

Rajasthan Royals also in line for Pandya

Apart from the KKR, the Rajasthan Royals franchise has also reportedly shown interest in acquiring Hardik Pandya. 

The Royals franchise has apparently presented a trade-off deal between Pandya and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, with Royals looking at Riyan Parag as a long-term captaincy candidate, the legendary Indian all-rounder will likely not be offered a leadership role at the franchise. 

MS Dhoni suggests Hardik Pandya to CSK: Report

A few days ago, a certain report also indicated that even the CSK franchise has expressed its interest in roping in the senior all-rounder from the Mumbai Indians. 

As claimed by CricBlogger, it was Pandya’s former national teammate MS Dhoni who recommended the CSK franchise to nab the legendary Indian all-rounder for next year’s IPL 2027.

All in all, it is safe to say that Pandya has become one of the most desirable cricketers among franchises before IPL 2027, despite his failure in guiding the Mumbai Indians into the playoffs in IPL 2026 this year. 

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