Hardik Pandya with Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav. PC- AFP
IPL 2026 has just ended, but the planning and plotting for the next season have already begun. The Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians had another poor season, finishing in the penultimate spot on the points table.
It has been speculated that Pandya may leave the five-time champions due to alleged tussle between the senior players. If reports are to be believed, the star all-rounder has started trade talks with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals.
However, reports coming from the MI camp suggest, the franchise hasn't begun their post-season evaluation yet.
KKR leadership led to team's IPL 2026 downfall
The Ajinkya Rahane-led Kolkata, too, didn't qualify for the playoffs either. Although there were too many injuries in the camp, the leadership group was also at fault.
Rahane and Head Coach Abhishek Nayar were criticised for the team's condition in IPL 2026, even though KKR somehow pulled it together in the latter half of the season. Later, it was reported that Kolkata may move on from Rahane and Nayar for IPL 2027.
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Nayar, who had been with KKR as an assistant coach from 2018 to 2024, rejoined the franchise in IPL 2026 as the head coach. Moreover, he had served as head coach at the KKR academy.
During his cooling-off period, the former Mumbai batter had pivoted to be in India’s coaching set-up. However, he had a rather upsetting exit after India's poor show in the BGT 2024/25.
Abhishek Nayar to be roadblock in KKR-Hardik Pandya handshake
Earlier, it was reported, KKR and Hardik Pandya's association is on the cards. However, it won't be that simple for the three-time champions.
Reported by Dainik Jagran's renowned journalist Abhishek Tripathi, Hardik Pandya won't agree to join hands with KKR if the franchise continues with Abhishek Nayar as head coach.
It is no secret that Nayar and Rohit Sharma share a close bond. During IPL 2024, when Pandya was first appointed as MI's captain, a viral video surfaced showing the former Mumbai captain expressing his distress over the MI management’s sudden decision while chatting with the KKR coach.
Where will be Hardik Pandya best-suited?
If Hardik Pandya doesn't choose KKR, the Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants seem the other best-suited destinations for the prolific all-rounder.
The Royals, although they appointed Riyan Parag as captain in IPL 2026, are in need of an all-rounder who could fix the issues they faced in Sam Curran’s absence.
Meanwhile, Pandya’s prowess will be appropriately-fitting in Lucknow as well. LSG are a top-heavy side, and the all-rounder will strengthen their frail middle order. Moreover, his leadership quality and bowling ability will be the cherry on top.
Having said that, these debates will remain abstract if MI and Hardik Pandya patch things up ahead of the big IPL 2027 mini-auctions.
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