The future of Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians will be a subject of heated debate due to yet another forgettable performance by the team in the IPL 2026 tournament. The expectations from Mumbai did not live up to its mark once again this season, but Pandya was not able to find his rhythm as a batsman as well as a bowler. There have been reports about the possibility of Pandya being traded off the club soon, and this has fueled discussions all around. In case Mumbai Indians release their captain, then there are three sides who can benefit from Pandya's presence - CSK, KKR, and DC.
It is true that Pandya's second spell at Mumbai Indians could not replicate what he achieved with Gujarat Titans. Since his return to the club prior to IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians have failed to qualify for playoffs in two subsequent seasons. Even in the current tournament, Pandya did not contribute much with runs (206 runs in 15 games at SR of 138.26) and wickets (only 4 wickets in 10 games).
Three teams that Hardik Pandya can be a part of if released by MI
The three teams that Pandya can join if released by MI ahead of IPL 2027-
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings might be considered the best strategic choice for Pandya. CSK ended up eighth in IPL 2026 and failed to qualify for the playoffs for three years in a row. The problems with the middle-order batting of the team were quite prominent, and their middle-overs run rate was just 8.19 with the death-overs scoring being only 10.04 – the two weakest in IPL. Pandya will definitely solve those problems. Having participated in 162 IPL games, he scored 2,955 runs in an impressive strike rate of 146.29 as well as took 82 wickets. Furthermore, CSK have not yet been able to find an Indian pace-bowling all-rounder capable of finishing matches.
Another aspect related to the choice of Pandya by Chennai Super Kings is the question of captaincy. It becomes increasingly clear that MS Dhoni has to retire from professional cricket very soon. On top of that, Ruturaj Gaikwad's strike rate of 123.44 leaves much to be desired. Pandya is a fan of Dhoni's captaincy style and a calmer team than CSK does not exist.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders also emerge as serious contenders. KKR have struggled with leadership consistency and are searching for a long-term Indian captain. Pandya’s success with Gujarat Titans, where he led the team to an IPL title in 2022 and another final in 2023, gives him strong credibility. KKR’s middle-order numbers further explain the link. The franchise recorded the lowest middle-overs run rate of 7.96 and the worst batting average of 20.52 across overs 7 to 16. Pandya’s aggressive batting style could solve that slowdown immediately.
His presence would also help fill the void left by Andre Russell in the pace-all-rounder role. Unlike overseas options, Pandya gives KKR a premium Indian all-rounder while freeing an overseas slot elsewhere in the XI. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has already suggested KKR as the ideal “fresh start” destination for him.
Delhi Capitals
Yet another team that makes for a practical choice if Pandya is up for grabs is the Delhi Capitals. The team has repeatedly failed in their attempts to find a settled middle order and a balanced eleven, regardless of the constant changes they have made in their team composition. In the middle overs, batting against spin bowling, they have had a poor performance record with an average of just 24.66 and a run rate of 7.94. However, with Pandya in their ranks, DC will be getting a player with precisely such attributes.
Moreover, adding Pandya to the squad will improve the batting strength and add a valuable leader as well. With the inclusion of players like KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Pandya, and Axar Patel, the team’s middle order can get some balance.
