Hardik Pandya and Shah Rukh Khan [Source: AFP and CREX Instagram]The IPL trade window has opened, and Hardik Pandya’s future with the Mumbai Indians is now at a knife’s edge after the recent Rishabh Pant DC-LSG trade. After a disappointing 2026 season where MI finished second-last, speculation is growing that the all-rounder might leave. Kolkata Knight Riders have now emerged as strong contenders to sign him. Rajasthan Royals have also shown interest, yet reports say KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan is personally driving the push to bring Pandya to Kolkata. Shah Rukh Khan Wants Proven Leader Hardik Pandya On KKR’s SideAs per a report from MyKhel, Shah Rukh Khan’s interest in Hardik comes from a desire to revive KKR after two underwhelming IPL campaigns. The team won its third title in 2024 under Shreyas Iyer, but failed to build on that success in 2025 and 2026. The Bollywood superstar, who normally stays away from day-to-day cricket operations, is reportedly unhappy with the lack of long-term vision and strategic direction shown by the team management. He is now eager to acquire a leader with proven credentials. Hardik Pandya, a member of India’s T20 World Cup-winning teams in 2024 and 2026, fits that profile perfectly. He captained Gujarat Titans to an IPL title in their debut season and a runner-up finish the following year.Also Read- Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy Substitutes India Has Before 2027 World CupKKR Prepared For an All-Cash Trade Ahead Of IPL 2027KKR’s pursuit is serious enough that they are exploring an all-cash trade to secure Hardik’s services. Sources indicate Shah Rukh Khan is ready to push aggressively, which could put Kolkata ahead of other interested franchises. Earlier reports had mentioned a possible blockbuster swap between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals involving Hardik Pandya and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Now, KKR’s willingness to do a cash-only deal, coupled with the owner’s personal involvement, may significantly alter the trade landscape.The Abhishek Nayar Obstacle In Hardik Pandya Trade Of KKROne reported roadblock could be KKR’s head coach, Abhishek Nayar. According to journalist Abhishek Tripathi of Dainik Jagran, Hardik would not prefer to join KKR if Nayar stays on. A tweet from a fan account states: “Hardik will not prefer to come to KKR till Abhishek Nayar is there as KKR head coach and Rajasthan Royals new owner will not continue with Riyan Parag as Captain- @abhishereporter”.Nayar shares a close bond with Rohit Sharma. During IPL 2024, a viral video showed Rohit expressing distress over MI handing the captaincy to Hardik while chatting with Nayar, who was then a KKR coach. That episode continues to shadow any potential link-up between Hardik and a Nayar-led support staff. A new environment free of such past tensions is believed to appeal to the all-rounder.Other Suitors and Unfinished DecisionsIf the KKR move does not materialise, Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants appear to be suitable landing spots. The Royals, who made Riyan Parag captain in 2026, need a match-winning all-rounder to fill the gap left by Sam Curran’s absence. Lucknow, a top-heavy side, would gain a proven middle-order batter and a bowling option in Pandya. All these discussions, however, remain contingent on whether Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya decide to resolve their differences before the 2027 mini-auctions. Also Read- Indian Cricketers Who Have Been Booked In Criminal Cases Linked To Women In Last 5 Years
