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Every IPL trade window has a narrative that has the potential to disrupt the balance of power within the league. This time, it appears to be Hardik Pandya.

The Indian talisman, who was expected to play a pivotal role for the Mumbai Indians as he returned to his parent club after playing for the Gujarat Titans in 2024, seems to be embroiled in a trade befitting the history books.
What started as rumors has evolved into a full-blown bidding war, with seven clubs in the fray.

And the biggest shock of all this has just unraveled. Chennai Super Kings, arch-rivals of Mumbai Indians and one of the most successful limited-overs franchises in the history of cricket, have entered the race for Hardik Pandya’s services.

Chennai Super Kings join the race for Hardik Pandya

According to a report in The Times of India, CSK have approached MI about Hardik in anticipation of IPL 2027.

The five-time champions are said to be considering all options as they look to address the glaring need for a pace-bowling all-rounder in the wake of a frustrating IPL 2026, but unlike some of their rivals, they are unlikely to offer him the captaincy.

With Ruturaj Gaikwad set to play his part as an emerging leader of the pack, Chennai could well be looking to enable Hardik to concentrate on his all-around abilities as he blossoms into a senior player in the squad.

The 32-year-old has struggled for consistency and form in the past two seasons but remains a potent match-winner for CSK. Meanwhile, the IPL Governing Council has approved the retention of the salary cap as well as the player draft system for IPL 2024.

Seven franchises circle as Mumbai weighs crucial decision

CSK are not the only ones in the race.

Earlier reports stated that Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have already engaged in preliminary talks with the Mumbai Indians. KKR are understood to have offered Hardik Pandya the captaincy, while Rajasthan are prepared to offer him a leadership role if the deal materialises.
The only teams not interested in signing Hardik are the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

It is also worth noting that two former captains of international reputation, representing other franchises, have privately discussed buying Hardik Pandya, which goes to show that Mumbai Indians’ star all-rounder is still in demand, even after his indifferent displays at the helm of affairs in Mumbai.

Hardik’s return to the Mumbai Indians in 2024 was supposed to mark the dawn of a new era in the franchise’s history, it turned into one of the most controversial episodes in the history of the IPL as the newly installed captain struggled to live up to the standards set by his predecessor, Rohit Sharma, and faced the wrath of the fans.

Disaster struck for the new skipper when MI finished languishing at the bottom of the table in 2024, came storming back to the playoffs in 2025, only to finish ninth in the 2026 edition of the competition.

Mumbai Indians’ media outlet has reported that Hardik Pandya is considering quitting the Mumbai center as well as exploring options that would allow him to return to his home state to play for CSK, but of course, nothing will happen before discussions with the Mumbai Indians begin. As the IPL’s trade season gets underway, it’s becoming increasingly evident that this could only be the beginning of a much larger saga.