Hardik Pandya To CSK, Pathirana's Re-Entry Hinted By MS Dhoni's Close

Hardik Pandya Matheesha Pathirana. [Source - AFP]CSK endured a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, struggling for consistency throughout the season and failing to secure a playoff spot after a series of crucial late defeats derailed their momentum completely.However, attention has now shifted off the field with MS Dhoni’s close associate and former CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin revealing key hints involving Matheesha Pathirana and a possible Hardik Pandya move to CSK speculation.Ashwin Tweets Revelation Big CSK FutureAfter CSK's IPL 2026 season ended, fans quickly turned their attention to what lies ahead and began discussing possible squad changes for the next campaign, especially around retention and new signings.A CSK fan asked on X whether Matheesha Pathirana should be targeted if KKR decide to release him, and Ravichandran Ashwin replied with a cryptic message that immediately sparked widespread speculation online.Ashwin 🇮🇳 @ashwinravi99 Pathirana, 07:07 & Stokes ! Opening✅ Dube & 07:07 MiddleOrder/Finishing✅ Overton & Stokes Balance✅ "Pathirana, 07:07 & Stokes ! Opening✅ Dube & 07:07 MiddleOrder/Finishing✅. Overton & Stokes Balance✅," Ashwin Tweeted.Also Read: Shreyas Iyer's 1st Reaction After PBKS Elimination From IPL 2026 OutAshwin’s reply mentioned Matheesha Pathirana directly, but the repeated “07:07” line made fans think beyond just one player. Many began linking it to MS Dhoni’s jersey number and also to Hardik Pandya’s viral ‘07:07’ post.This led to speculation that Ashwin was hinting CSK could look at Hardik Pandya for next season, along with discussing Pathirana as part of their future plans and squad rebuilding if KKR choose to release the Sri Lankan ahead of next auction.What is Hardik Pandya's 07:07 Insta Post and how Ashwin links it to CSK tradeHardik Pandya recently uploaded an Instagram story showing the time ‘07:07’ on his phone, which immediately went viral as fans began linking it to MS Dhoni’s iconic number 7 and CSK, turning a simple post into major IPL speculation.Ravichandran Ashwin’s cryptic use of “07:07” in his reply tweet to a CSK fan on CSK's future then added to the discussion, with many believing he was referencing the same symbol and indirectly hinting at CSK’s possible interest in Hardik Pandya as their next captain.Mumbai Indians struggled in IPL 2026, finishing second last with only four wins under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, and this poor season further fueled rumours that he might not continue as a Mumbai Indians player next season, with teams like CSK potentially exploring a trade ahead of the next season.CSK fans positive after Ashwin’s cryptic tweet on CSK's plan for IPL 2027CSK fans believe Ravichandran Ashwin’s cryptic hints could reflect real behind-the-scenes thinking, especially around squad rebuilding, with optimism growing that CSK may target stronger balance and impactful players ahead of the next IPL season.Despite no official confirmation, speculation around Matheesha Pathirana and Hardik Pandya continues to dominate discussions, with fans feeling CSK could enter a major reshuffle as they aim to return strongly after a disappointing IPL 2026.Also Read: Riyan Parag In MS Dhoni's League With Mammoth IPL Captaincy Record