Hardik Pandya was traded to MI ahead of IPL 2024 [PC- AFP]According to a major report, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals were once in talks about swapping Hardik Pandya and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The Hardik Pandya trade rumour isn't new, as almost every franchise was allegedly once interested in acquiring the star all-rounder. However, despite the rumours running around since the conclusion of the IPL 2026, nothing real has been finalised. Hardik Pandya-Yashasvi Jaiswal trade talks off the table?As per a Cricbuzz report, the talks between MI and RR for a trade between Hardik Pandya and Jaiswal haven't materialised at this stage, although the possibility can't be entirely ruled out. "The much-discussed Hardik Pandya-Yashasvi Jaiswal trade appears unlikely to materialise at this stage. While the possibility may not be entirely ruled out, the proposed deal between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals appears to have lost momentum," the report said. ALSO READT Natarajan Traded To SRH, Zeeshan Ansari Moves To Delhi Capitals Ahead Of IPL 2027The recent rise of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who is in the RR camp, would have given Rajasthan the confidence to let go of their star opener, Jaiswal, to acquire Pandya, who would not only contribute as an all-rounder but also offer a captaincy option. Nevertheless, Pandya was traded from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai ahead of IPL 2024, when he replaced Rohit Sharma as captain of the five-time champions. However, under him, MI has only had one good season, in IPL 2025, and finished in the bottom section of the points table in the remaining two. Who will win if Hardik Pandya-Yashasvi Jaiswal trade unfolds? Since the Hardik Pandya-Yashasvi Jaiswal trade isn't completely off the table, both MI and RR could push one more time. Talking from Mumbai’s point of view, they have a well-established opener in the form of Rohit Sharma, but the age is not on the 39-year-old attacking batter’s side. Meanwhile, Rohit’s opening partners, Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock, had a couple of good outings, but MI would want much more consistency than that, which Jaiswal could offer. On the other hand, RR have a young and balanced side, but they lacked a fast-bowling all-rounder after Sam Curran pulled off a late out from IPL 2026. Not only can the prolific Pandya contribute as an all-rounder, but he can also offer captaincy. Thus, both teams will gain if the Hardik Pandya-Yashasvi Jaiswal trade unfolds between MI and RR. ALSO READHasan Mahmud Jumps In ICC Test Rankings After Hat-Trick vs Afghanistan
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