Check out Hardik Pandya’s new IPL team name

Following Mumbai Indians' poor performance in IPL 2026, rumors regarding a trade for Hardik Pandya have been constantly circulating. A few days ago, reports emerged that Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals were interested in trading for him. Both teams have reportedly offered Hardik a long-term captaincy role. Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that seven franchises are currently interested in Hardik Pandya, including Chennai Super Kings. The only two teams that have not shown interest in him so far are the two-time defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

After winning the IPL 2023 title, CSK is still awaiting its next playoff appearance; the team has failed to qualify for the playoffs for three consecutive years. While the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side has integrated several new players—along with Sanju Samson—they are now eyeing the experienced all-rounder Hardik Pandya. CSK has been searching for a formidable lower-order all-rounder for some time, and Hardik Pandya could be the answer to that quest. They are in need of a match-winning, experienced all-rounder.

However, it will be interesting to see if Hardik would be handed the captaincy should he join the Chennai Super Kings. The CSK management has been grooming Ruturaj Gaikwad over the past few years, and the team also has the option of Sanju Samson available.

Apart from these, teams like Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Lucknow Super Giants are also showing keen interest in Hardik Pandya. DC and LSG are considering a change in captaincy following a few poor seasons, and Hardik Pandya could fit the bill perfectly. Meanwhile, if Hardik were to return to the Gujarat Titans, it would be intriguing to see if he would be handed the captaincy, given that Shubman Gill has already established himself as a captain for India. As for the Punjab Kings, they already have Shreyas Iyer, making the likelihood of Pandya securing the captaincy there virtually non-existent.

According to some fresh reports, the decision regarding whether or not a major name will be released by MI hinges on the decision concerning Hardik Pandya's release. This clearly implies that Mumbai Indians must make a call regarding Pandya before deciding on any other player; furthermore, MI would need to obtain his consent before finalizing any decision related to his trade.