Hardik Pandya Picks His Side In CSK-MI Trade Drift

Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni at toss presentation. [Source- AFP]Hardik Pandya has been the centrepiece since the IPL trade talks began for next season. As the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain is allegedly looking to end his ties with the franchise, there are reportedly seven franchises interested in the prolific all-rounder.Apart from RCB and SRH, all other franchises are showing interest in Pandya, who is not only a rare commodity in India but also in world cricket. However, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings are emerging as the front-runner, despite the CEO Kasi Viswanath denying rumours of signing the MI star.The 32-year-old is a pure all-rounder who contributes equally in all facets of play. Having said that, he has been a mere shadow of himself since moving back to Mumbai in 2024, scoring 646 runs in 39 matches with an average of 21.53 and taking just 29 wickets at an economy rate of 10.54. Hardik Pandya-CSK deal all but certain?The Hardik Pandya-CSK deal is certainly not out of contention, although the Super Kings management has said it is focusing on the MLC 2026. Reported by CricBlogger, there are talks going on in the backroom between the all-rounder and the franchise, with MS Dhoni playing the matchmaker. "MS Dhoni had recommended Hardik Pandya’s name to the franchise, it is now emerging that Chennai Super Kings is the all-rounder’s preferred destination among the three teams that have approached him," the CricBlogger report stated. Read More: Mumbai Indians Deny Releasing Hardik Pandya Amid Trade RumoursFurthermore, the report states that Pandya is lured by CSK's culture, "established by Dhoni", of a "simple pre-match huddle," in contrast the MI's team culture. "The franchise is known for keeping meetings to a minimum, with Dhoni preferring a simple pre-match huddle over marathon discussions. That relaxed, player-first environment is understood to be a major reason why Hardik is keen on a move to Chennai," the report added.IPL franchises open to offer captaincy to Hardik PandyaThe report also mentioned that CSK, along with Kolkata and Rajasthan, are more than interested in Hardik Pandya's trade. Moreover, the three franchises are open to offering captaincy to the all-rounder, despite his woeful stint for MI. However, it is worth noting that under him, GT clinched a title in its first attempt and finished as runners-up the following season. "The teams looking to acquire Hardik through a trade with Mumbai Indians— Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals— all three could be prepared to offer the star all-rounder the captaincy," the report added.Hardik Pandya's fitness key for IndiaHardik Pandya is currently rehabbing at the BCCI’s the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after facing back-to-back unforeseen injuries after IPL 2026. If reports are to be believed, the Baroda-born has shifted to a permanent residence near the CoE to prolong his career. Regarded as one of the core players in both of India's white-ball teams, the all-rounder will be one of their X-Factors during the World Cup 2027, LA28 and T20 World Cup 2028. Thus, his fitness will remain at the utmost priority for both him and the BCCI.Read More: Has Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reposted Abhishek Sharma's Girlfriend Laila Faisal’s Reel?