Former India opener Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding Hardik Pandya’s future, claiming that almost every IPL franchise is interested in signing the Mumbai Indians captain ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction. According to Chopra, only Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad are reportedly not pursuing the star all-rounder, while several other teams could explore blockbuster trade deals if Mumbai decide to part ways with him.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said reports suggest that as many as seven franchises are monitoring Hardik’s situation, including his former team, Gujarat Titans. “It seems all teams are interested, or such rumors are spreading. Only two teams don’t want him. They are RCB and the SunRisers Hyderabad. It’s been heard that everyone else, including the Gujarat Titans, is interested. I am just wondering whether the Gujarat Titans would also be interested. Who can those seven teams give to Mumbai?” Chopra said.
Among the interested teams, Kolkata Knight Riders have been strongly linked with Hardik, with reports suggesting the franchise is even willing to hand him the captaincy. Chopra believes the Mumbai Indians should only entertain such a move if they receive players capable of strengthening both their batting and bowling departments. He identified Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Anukul Roy and Varun Chakaravarthy as KKR’s most attractive trade assets.
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“Mumbai don’t need an opener. You have only Rinku Singh in the lower order, but that won’t be a direct swap. The best will be Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana. Harshit and Anukul will be the second-best combination, and the third-best will be to get Anukul with Rinku,” he explained.
If Hardik Leaves MI… Who Gets Him & What Does Mumbai Get Back? #HardikPandya #IPL2027 pic.twitter.com/MikBaYMMWs
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 3, 2026
Lucknow Super Giants are another franchise Aakash Chopra believes could enter the race. However, he feels Mumbai would demand more than Nicholas Pooran alone. “Mumbai don’t need Nicholas Pooran alone that much. They will need either Mohsin Khan or Prince Yadav with him. The minimum requirement will be Mohsin,” Chopra said, adding that LSG could even negotiate for Mitchell Santner as part of the package.
If Chopra had to choose one ideal trade, though, it would involve the Delhi Capitals. He said Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma would make an irresistible package for Mumbai Indians.
“Delhi can give Axar Patel. Along with him, a lower-order batter will be required. They will think about Ashutosh Sharma for sure. Can they give Axar and Ashutosh? Then I will sign the deal right away. Axar Patel will be a phenomenal asset, and if they get Ashutosh with him, lower-order batting as well,” Chopra remarked.
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Punjab Kings also feature among the reported contenders for Hardik. Aakash Chopra believes left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh would immediately grab Mumbai’s attention, while Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen and Harpreet Brar could also become part of discussions. “There will be interest if they give Arshdeep Singh. You might ask for Nehal or Shashank along with him. You can also give Marco Jansen and Harpreet Brar,” he added.
Rajasthan Royals have also been linked with the India all-rounder, with reports suggesting Yashasvi Jaiswal could be part of a potential swap. Chopra, however, questioned the logic behind such a deal. While he acknowledged Jaiswal would be a long-term replacement for Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, he argued that Mumbai’s bigger concern lies in replacing Hardik’s all-round value rather than adding another specialist opener.
Turning to Gujarat Titans, Chopra admitted Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada would be dream signings for Mumbai, but he doesn’t expect Gujarat to release either of their match-winning bowlers. He also believes bringing Hardik back to Gujarat may not suit the franchise now that Shubman Gill has firmly established himself as captain.
Finally, Chopra suggested Chennai Super Kings could enter the conversation if they were prepared to part with combinations involving Shivam Dube, Ayush Mhatre or Urvil Patel alongside either Anshul Kamboj or Khaleel Ahmed. Although trade speculation continues to dominate IPL discussions, no franchise has officially confirmed negotiations involving Hardik Pandya. For now, the rumours remain just that, but Chopra’s analysis highlights how valuable the India all-rounder remains and why any potential deal could reshape the balance of power ahead of IPL 2027.
