Hardik Pandya for Mumbai Indians - (Source: AFP)
In a significant update, Kolkata Knight Riders have reignited their interest in Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. The development comes two weeks before the IPL 2027 retention deadline.
Mumbai Indians have undergone a massive coaching overhaul, and the axe is expected to swing on Hardik Pandya as well. Notably, the right-handed all-rounder expressed his interest in shifting bases last edition and is most likely to play for a new team in IPL 2027, where he would be offered captaincy.
KKR Rejects MI’s Demand For Rinku Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy
A report from The Telegraph India stated that Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders held a talk and initial discussions are underway. The three-time winners have rejected MI’s demands for Rinku Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy.
The Knight Riders have clearly stated that Rinku, Varun, and Sunil Narine are all untouchable and won’t be traded at any cost before IPL 2027. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have revised their demand and requested two new players to be included in the trade deal.
Mumbai Indians Demand Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Harshit Rana
KKR have opened up to giving away Cameron Green, who is drawing a whopping salary of 25.20 crores, but his participation for IPL 2027 is unknown. Cricket Australia have told their players to prioritise the Ashes, which might force them to skip the IPL.
Therefore, Mumbai Indians are not too keen on including Cameron Green in the trade. The Telegraph report stated that MI have revised the demand, and they want Harshit Rana and Angkrish Raghuvanshi in exchange for Hardik Pandya.
Rana has been performing well as a No.8 for the Indian team where he also contributes with the bat. The right-arm seamer missed IPL 2026 due to injury. Meanwhile, Angkrish Raghuvanshi is the new rising star and amassed 422 runs in 12 innings, averaging 42.20 in IPL 2026.
The two teams - MI and KKR will sit for another round of discussion this week, and only time will tell whether the deal will materialise or not.
Other Teams Interested In Hardik Pandya besides KKR
Besides KKR, MI are also interested in a trade with Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. Notably, MI demanded Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi to bolster their spin department, but the demand was rejected.
Meanwhile, for CSK, the Men in Yellow rejected MI’s ask for Ayush Mhatre. Shivam Dube is one option where the two teams might come to a decision.
.jpg?type=mq "Shreyas Iyer Brings Out Unique Celebration")
