Ambati Rayudu has backed a possible IPL trade involving Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya and Rajasthan Royals, saying the move could make sense for both franchises ahead of the next season. With MI coming off a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, the former Chennai Super Kings batter feels a fresh shuffle in the squad could help Mumbai and Rajasthan address their biggest needs.
The speculation has gathered pace after the Mumbai Indians endured a poor season and finished near the bottom of the points table. The five-time champions failed to qualify for the playoffs and ended their campaign with another setback against the Rajasthan Royals, managing only 175 in pursuit of 206. That underwhelming run has naturally triggered conversations about leadership, squad balance and possible trade options.
During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, the host floated a trade idea that would send Hardik Pandya to the Rajasthan Royals and bring a player back to the Mumbai Indians, with Yashasvi Jaiswal named as one possible option. The suggestion was based on MI’s long-term need for a top-order batter and RR’s need for an experienced lower-order match-winner who can contribute with both bat and ball.
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Host: “Rayudu, you panned my last trick-or-trade, so here’s a different one involving MI and RR. The idea is Hardik goes to Rajasthan Royals and they give one player to MI. Option number one is Jaiswal to MI. RR would love a player like Hardik, a lower-order finisher. I know it has not been the best season, but ultimately Hardik is a match-winner and might thrive in that environment. MI need an opener to replace Rohit in the long term. What do you think of this trade?”
Ambati Rayudu was quick to endorse the idea, saying Rajasthan Royals would gain a proven all-round asset in Pandya. He stressed that Hardik’s value is not limited to one skill, as he offers impact with both bat and ball and brings high-pressure experience to the table.
Rayudu: “That is brilliant. I think RR should give one more, maybe Bishnoi, for Hardik because Hardik is a batsman and equally a good bowler.” When asked to rate the proposal, Rayudu gave it top marks. Host: “How much do you give this out of 10?” Rayudu: “10 out of 10.”
If a deal like this were to materialise, the Mumbai Indians would gain one of the most exciting young openers in Indian cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 427 runs in 16 innings at an average of 30.50 and a strike rate of 152.50, and his aggressive style at the top could fit MI’s long-term plans perfectly.
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Hardik Pandya’s own future at the Mumbai Indians remains under the spotlight after another tough IPL season. He returned from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma as captain, but MI have managed only one top-four finish in three seasons under his leadership. This year, they finished ninth with just four wins from 14 matches.
Pandya also struggled individually, scoring 206 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.26, while taking just four wickets at an economy rate of 11.43. With pressure mounting, the possibility of a major change before the next season cannot be ruled out.
