Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Speculation surrounding Hardik Pandya’s future has dominated the IPL off-season, with reports linking the Mumbai Indians captain to Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction. While social media has been awash with theories and fans have dissected everything from Hardik’s Instagram posts to potential trade packages, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the blockbuster move is nowhere close to being completed.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin dismissed suggestions that a deal was imminent and explained why Mumbai Indians would think twice before allowing one of their biggest stars to join a direct title rival.
“Nothing has moved. Nobody has confirmed the trade,” he said.
“Let’s understand one thing: everybody wants a player like Hardik Pandya. He is a three-dimensional player. Whether somebody wants him as a captain is the next phase.”
Ashwin said the sheer value Hardik brings as an all-rounder makes any potential trade significantly more complicated than many believe. Drawing from his own experience at Punjab Kings, the former spinner recalled how a seemingly certain deal for Shikhar Dhawan collapsed at the last minute, revealing that the former opener went on to play for Delhi Capitals.
Ashwin said that anecdote underlined why it would be premature to assume Hardik’s departure from Mumbai Indians was a foregone conclusion.
“The reason I’m saying this is because, when you’re talking about giving away a player like Hardik Pandya, you’re talking about Mumbai Indians, five-time champions. Then the other parties reportedly involved are five-time champions Chennai Super Kings and three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders. If I’m Mumbai Indians, why would I want to part with Hardik so that these teams become even stronger?
“If my team is getting strengthened further, or at least I’m getting an equal trade, then I’ll give away my player. Secondly, why would I strengthen another team?”
CAN HARDIK DECIDE HIS NEXT STOP?
Trade speculation has gathered pace in recent days, with reports suggesting both CSK and KKR are exploring the possibility of signing Hardik. Ashwin, however, pointed out that even if the player wished to leave, he could not dictate his destination.
“And if you’re all saying Hardik has told them, ‘I will only play for this particular franchise’, that doesn’t suffice. A player can only say, ‘I don’t want to play here.’ He can’t say, ‘I want to go to this particular team,’ beyond a certain point.”
Ashwin insisted the discussions, if any, were still at a very early stage.
“This deal will not be closed this early. Don’t count on Hardik going elsewhere.”
FAIR TRADE?
The former India off-spinner also weighed in on the player exchanges being speculated in the media. Reports have linked Chennai Super Kings with a package involving Shivam Dube and an Indian fast bowler, while Kolkata Knight Riders have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
Ashwin questioned whether the proposed packages would genuinely improve Mumbai Indians.
“Because what can CSK offer? A fast bowler and Shivam Dube, according to speculation. What can KKR offer? Cameron Green? What if Green goes to play the Ashes and misses the IPL next year?”
He suggested there was only one scenario in which a KKR deal would make sense for Mumbai.
“I can think of only one possibility. If KKR can offer Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh, then the deal can go through. It would make the Mumbai Indians team better.”
Ashwin also argued that any trade involving Chennai would require Mumbai to demand players capable of significantly strengthening their own squad.
“If Mumbai Indians want Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed and Shivam Dube, then CSK’s Indian bowling core is gone. That’s how I would think. If they’re going to break our core, we’ll break theirs.
“So, it’s not going to be an easy deal.”
SHOULD CSK LET DUBE GO?
Despite questioning some of the reported trade proposals, Ashwin was full of praise for Dube and suggested the left-hander could flourish in a different environment.
“Shivam Dube has had a few tough seasons, in terms of ordinary drops on the field. But, if he goes out, he will be a beast. Dube is a rare commodity in India. Left-handed batter, long lever, can hit the long ball.
“I personally feel CSK hasn’t utilised Shivam Dube properly. They haven’t given him confidence.
“Even if CSK give one fast bowler and Shivam Dube, MI get strengthened.”
Ashwin concluded by reiterating that while rumours linking Hardik with both Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders continue to swirl, the negotiations are nowhere near the finish line.
“I believe CSK shouldn’t let go of Hardik Pandya.
“The trade hasn’t happened. It is far from happening. KKR are also in the mix. But, MI will consider a lot of options before finalising, if they finalise. It won’t be done very easily.”
Hardik’s future has come under increasing scrutiny after three turbulent seasons since his return to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans. Having replaced Rohit Sharma as captain ahead of the 2024 season, the all-rounder has endured a difficult stint at the helm.
Mumbai finished last in 2024, recovered to reach Qualifier 2 in 2025, but slipped back down the table in 2026, with criticism of Hardik’s leadership growing louder. The India star also endured a below-par 2026 campaign, managing 206 runs in 10 innings at an average of 22.88 and a strike rate of 138.25, while picking up just four wickets. Against that backdrop, speculation over his future has only intensified, even as Ashwin believes any blockbuster trade remains some distance away.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
