Hardik Pandya likely to join KKR [Source: AFP]Hardik Pandya will likely join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise. The development comes as a huge surprise for many fans and cricket experts, considering the seasoned all-rounder was reportedly desired by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in recent weeks. Pandya recently led the Mumbai Indians franchise in the IPL 2026 season, doing so for the third year in a row after leaving the Gujarat Titans camp.Hardik Pandya likely to join KKR, as captainThe KKR franchise has emerged as the frontrunners to nab Mumbai Indians legend Hardik Pandya ahead of next year’s IPL 2027 season. As reported by a Revsportz journalist, the legendary all-rounder might well join the KKR franchise as its new captain. Over the past few weeks, it was the CSK franchise that reportedly demonstrated its interest in acquiring Pandya. However, at various stages, the KKR as well as the Delhi Capitals franchise also emerged as potential candidates for acquiring the 32-year-old.Also Read- Hardik Pandya Trade: Which IPL Teams Can Realistically Afford Him?Moreover, several unconfirmed reports also indicated that the Mumbai Indians management was willing to let go of Pandya, after the seasoned all-rounder failed to win them an IPL title in three attempts. What value can Hardik Pandya bring for KKR?Hardik Pandya, one of the most decorated players in the history of the IPL, can add immense value to the struggling KKR setup if he gets added to their squad going forward.An IPL winning captain himself, Pandya can not only bring his astute leadership experience as KKR’s potential skipper, but will also bring years of all-round experience to the table.His hard-hitting ability in the middle order and in slog overs will also provide KKR an ideal batting option, especially after the void left by former franchise zealot Andre Russell. How did KKR went past CSK in race for Pandya?It is worth noting that for weeks, the CSK franchise was the frontrunner to acquire Hardik Pandya in a trade from the Mumbai Indians. However, certain reports indicated that the seasoned all-rounder was also demanding team captaincy. With CSK keen to retain MS Dhoni-backed Ruturaj Gaikwad as skipper, Pandya's move to the franchise likely fell through, prompting KKR to re-enter the race and eventually move ahead.Since Ajinkya Rahane recently announced his retirement from all forms of the game, the KKR franchise was already in search of a new captain going ahead. Another factor that may have likely halted Pandya’s CSK move was the franchise’s budget, with the financial outlay required for the proposed trade reportedly proving too steep.When Hardik Pandya ditched Mumbai Indians and Titans for each otherAs reports of Hardik Pandya’s possible move to KKR grows stronger, it would not be the first time the star all-rounder has switched franchises in a high-profile transfer.Back in late-2021, i.e., after lifting the IPL title four times with the Mumbai Indians, the cricketer left the franchise to join the Gujarat Titans as its skipper in their inaugural IPL appearance. Under his leadership, the Titans ended up winning the IPL 2022 title, and even reached the final of the following season in 2023.However, Hardik Pandya later re-joined Mumbai Indians as their new captain, replacing Rohit Sharma in the process. Unfortunately for Mumbai Indians fans, the cricketer failed to replicate his captaincy heroics for the five-time winning franchise.Also Read- Jai Moondra To Debut? Ireland Predicted XI For 2nd ODI vs Afghanistan, 2026
