Hardik Pandya’s future at the Mumbai Indians appears to be heading toward a major reset, with the five-time IPL champions reportedly receiving interest from the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the next transfer window. According to an IPL insider quoted by PTI, KKR’s top management has held multiple discussions with Mumbai Indians officials about a possible trade involving the star India all-rounder. The talks are understood to have resumed after an earlier round of interest toward the end of last season.
Pandya’s second stint with the Mumbai Indians has not gone the way either side would have hoped. Since taking over leadership responsibilities, he has managed just one playoff appearance, and the pressure around his role has continued to grow.
The insider also suggested that KKR had initially viewed Ajinkya Rahane as a short-term captaincy option and had always planned to move on from him after the season. While discussions were delayed earlier because of the Mumbai Indians’ Annual AGM, KKR are now said to have revisited the possibility of bringing Pandya into their setup.
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If that deal materialises, captaincy could be part of the conversation as well. At the moment, Rinku Singh is not seen as the most likely long-term leadership choice, which makes Pandya a more attractive option for KKR if a transfer goes through. The exact structure of the deal remains unclear. It is not known whether the Mumbai Indians would prefer an all-cash offer or a player trade, and the insider could not confirm which route has gained more traction so far.
🚨 REPORTS 🚨
Kolkata Knight Riders have reportedly approached Mumbai Indians regarding a potential trade for Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027. 👀
(Source: PTI)#Cricket #KKR #MI #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/PLyYenIzak
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) June 24, 2026
Under IPL transfer rules, any trade can only happen through franchise-to-franchise discussions. A player cannot negotiate individually with another team, and any transfer also requires the player’s consent. If the player does not agree, the matter is settled by sending him back into the auction pool.
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Rajasthan Royals are also believed to have shown interest, with a possible trade involving Yashasvi Jaiswal being mentioned. However, there is no clarity on how far those talks have progressed. Even then, RR may not offer Pandya the leadership path he is likely seeking, with Riyan Parag being viewed as a long-term captaincy option. At this stage, KKR appear to be the more realistic destination if Hardik Pandya leaves Mumbai Indians.
