Hardik Pandya To KKR Trade Hinges On 1 Condition Given By MI, Says CSK Legend

KKR Players After IPL 2026 (L) & Hardik Pandya (Source: AFP Photos)

On Friday, speculations around the Hardik Pandya to KKR trade re-emerged once again, with reports coming that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are no longer in the race to sign him. It also indicated that Mumbai Indians (MI) and KKR are in advanced talks to make it happen for IPL 2027.

However, there is no detail available on how the Hardik Pandya to KKR trade will proceed, whether it will be an all-cash deal or involve players. At this point, a CSK legend shared his thoughts on what MI could demand to seal the deal with KKR.

CSK's Ashwin Points 1 Decisive Condition For Hardik Pandya To KKR Trade

An integral part of CSK’s back-to-back IPL winning campaign in 2010 and 2011, coupled with their title-winning Champions League T20 2010 Player of the Tournament, Ravichandran Ashwin opened up on Hardik Pandya to KKR trade.

Speaking on his own YouTube channel, Ash ki Baat, Ashwin highlighted that even though Hardik was rumoured to be traded to multiple IPL franchises, it can only happen in real life between MI and either CSK or KKR.

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Furthermore, Ashwin stated that Cameron Green, KKR’s like-for-like replacement for Hardik to be traded, might not be a better fit for MI, keeping Ashes 2027 in mind. Instead, the five-time champions would love to have someone like Harshit Rana or Rinku Singh to get the Hardik Pandya to KKR trade deal done.

"Don’t count out Hardik going to a franchise other than CSK or KKR. The talks are that CSK will give Dube and a pacer, while KKR gives away Cameron Green. What happens if Green decides to focus on the Ashes next year? If I were MI, I would accept a deal with KKR on only one condition, which is getting Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh in return. That is the only way MI gets stronger," Ashwin said.

Hardik Pandya To CSK Still Possible, Believes Ashwin

To conclude, Ashwin also gave his opinion regarding the Hardik Pandya to CSK trade, saying it can’t be ruled out if the proposed offer gets improved. The veteran off-spinner urged CSK to give Shivam Dube and any other Indian pacer from the Yellow Brigade to convince the MI management.

"MI will also think who between CSK and KKR gets stronger through the Hardik trade. If CSK give away Dube and one Indian pacer to get Hardik, they get strong but not invincible. However, if KKR get Hardik, they suddenly look very strong. KKR will become a lethal batting lineup with Hardik. These are teams with five, five and three titles, so MI have to think how they can ensure one of these teams doesn’t leapfrog them," Ashwin added.

Why Hardik Pandya To KKR Trade Seems Likely To Happen

Having led Gujarat Titans to win the IPL trophy in the past, Hardik Pandya would love to redeem himself after a not-so-great comeback at MI. At KKR, his captaincy is guaranteed to happen for IPL 2027, with Ajinkya Rahane hanging up his boots.

CSK, on the other hand, will try to keep Ruturaj Gaikwad for at least some time. They also have Sanju Samson in their squad. Therefore, Hardik’s potential demand to captain another IPL franchise seems bleak at CSK.

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