Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has listed out plenty of options for the Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya that he could join in the IPL 2027 season. Notably, there have been reports that Pandya has made up his mind to leave the Mumbai Indians following a disappointing campaign in the IPL 2026 season. Not only this, but sources also suggest that even the franchise could be looking for a new player to take reins in his hands after Pandya failed to make his mark as the skipper of the team.
Considering the rumours to be true, Ashwin, the former Indian cricketer, has listed a few options that teams could explore. The spinning wizard discussed a potential trade that MI and Chennai Super Kings could execute. As per Ashwin, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side could bring in Pandya via an all-cash deal, while their Mumbai counterparts can push for the likes of Ayush Mhatre, Khaleel Ahmed, and Anshul Kamboj. Ashwin added that MI would only execute the trade that would include Mhatre.
MI trading Hardik Pandya is still doubtful- Ravichandran Ashwin breaks down possible MI-CSK trade scenarios
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said, "MI trading Hardik Pandya is still doubtful. But from a CSK point of view, I would try to get Hardik in an all-cash deal without giving up any player. However, if I were the MI owner, I would ask CSK for Mhatre, Khaleel, and Kamboj in a Hardik trade. I don't think MI will entertain any trade with CSK that doesn't involve Mhatre."
He also added other options, and stated, "LSG might trade Shahbaz, Mukul Choudhary, and Prince Yadav for Hardik. Even PBKS might consider trading Arshdeep Singh or KL Rahul for Hardik Pandya with DC might be possible. Even a Hardik trade with Cameron Green might be a good option."
Speaking on who could be the next skipper of the team, assuming the franchise will part ways with him, Ashwin said, "MI will go the Tilak Varma route for captaincy. With that, I doubt they'll make any Hardik trade with the hope of making whoever they get in return the captain.” Notably, the Mumbai Indians finished ninth in the standings with only four wins in 14 fixtures.
