Last Updated on 5 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Hardik Pandya looks set to leave the Mumbai Indians (MI), with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the lead to acquire his services for IPL 2027. That is according to the Press Trust of India, who report that KKR and MI have held multiple discussions.
A source revealed to PTI that KKR will release Ajinkya Rahane, paving the way for Hardik to join as captain. However, there is still some discussions to be had depending on whether MI want a player swap.
“Ajinkya Rahane was always a stop-gap arrangement for KKR and he was always going to be released after this season. The KKR top brass had approached MI owners towards the end of last season but since Reliance’s Annual AGM was round the corner, so at that time IPL trade wasn’t the biggest priority,” the source said.
“However, it has been learned that KKR has again approached MI top leadership and there has been a few rounds of discussion.”
Hardik Pandya seeking fresh start – KKR said to be likely destination, but RR also a chance
Rajasthan Royals (RR) are also reportedly keen on bringing Hardik Pandya to their franchise. According to reports, RR are willing to trade Yashasvi Jaiswal, who pundits believe is stuck behind the shadows Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
“He (Yashasvi) needs to change his team because he just cannot bat with the guy (Sooryavanshi) and be overshadowed every single time,” Rayudu said in May 2026. “He’s a star in his own. If he goes to another team, he will win games on his own. He needs that space and the platform.
“Because this guy (Sooryavanshi) will keep overshadowing people. And it has to be a senior partner alongside him who can deal with it, be happy for him and what’s happening, and not be in a contest with your non-striker or striker. You can’t compete with him,”
Hardik was reportedly disappointed with the commitment levels from MI players in another tough season. The five-time champions finished second-last in IPL 2026, underachieving badly given the names they had on paper.
