IPL Trade News 2027: Hardik Pandya to Leave Mumbai Indians, Could Reportedly Join KKR or Rajasthan Royals
Hardik Pandya is reportedly set to depart from Mumbai Indians following a turbulent IPL 2026 season, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals emerging as keen suitors for the star all-rounder ahead of IPL 2027. MI finished a dismal ninth, and trade talks are progressing, with Rajasthan Royals potentially offering Yashasvi Jaiswal in exchange.
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's second stint as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) appears to be reaching an end, with strong indications of a trade to a new Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise ahead of the 2027 season. Multiple reports surfacing suggest that both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have initiated discussions for a potential acquisition of the highly sought-after player. Rishabh Pant Returns to DC After Pay Cut, Kuldeep Yadav Joins LSG in IPL Trade.
Tumultuous Mumbai Stint
Pandya's return to the Mumbai Indians in a blockbuster trade ahead of the IPL 2024 season, which saw him also take over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, has been widely described as tumultuous. The five-time champions endured a dismal IPL 2026 campaign under his leadership, finishing ninth in the league stage with only four wins from 14 matches and ten defeats. Their elimination from the playoffs was confirmed on May 10, 2026, following a last-ball loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Individually, Pandya's performance in IPL 2026 also fell short of expectations. In ten matches, he scored 206 runs at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.26. With the ball, he managed to pick up only four wickets at an economy rate of 11.43. The underwhelming results for both the team and the captain have fueled speculation that MI is assessing its options, with a change in leadership and potentially a trade now firmly on the cards.
The Suitors: KKR and Rajasthan Royals
Kolkata Knight Riders are reportedly in advanced discussions with the Mumbai Indians, with sources indicating that Pandya could be offered a captaincy role should the trade materialise. KKR's management had reportedly approached MI owners towards the end of the IPL 2026 season regarding a potential swap.
Rajasthan Royals have also emerged as a strong contender for Pandya's services. Reports suggest that MI is exploring a mega trade deal with RR, with the Mumbai franchise keen on acquiring young opening sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal in return for Pandya. Discussions between Pandya's entourage and RR are said to be progressing. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who were also mentioned in early trade rumors, have reportedly denied any interest or trade enquiries for Hardik Pandya.
IPL 2027: A Season of Change
With the IPL 2027 mega auction provisionally scheduled for December 16, 2026, and the player retention deadline expected in November 2026, franchises are actively strategizing their squad compositions. The IPL 2027 season itself was provisionally slated to run from March 14 to May 30; however, recent reports indicate that the BCCI is considering an earlier start, aiming for around March 10 to conclude by May 15, to mitigate issues with extreme heat and the monsoon season. The upcoming trade window and subsequent auction are anticipated to witness significant player movements, especially after an IPL 2026 season that saw several established teams underperform. Beyond Pandya, the future of other key MI players like Suryakumar Yadav, who had a disappointing IPL 2026 season with 270 runs in 13 matches, is also reportedly under scrutiny.
The potential departure of Hardik Pandya would mark a significant shake-up for the Mumbai Indians and could reshape the dynamics of any team he joins, particularly if a captaincy role awaits him. The coming weeks are expected to bring more clarity as trade talks intensify across the league.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2026 07:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
