IPL 2027: Aakash Chopra picks potential swap deals for Hardik Pandya

The potential trade of star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, with new updates and rumors surfacing frequently. Recently, reports emerged indicating that, apart from RCB and SRH, all other teams have shown interest in trading for Hardik Pandya. In matter of this, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has outlined—on his YouTube channel—how each team could go about trading for him; he analyzed the teams individually and suggested potential players whom Mumbai Indians might demand in exchange for Hardik.

He first discussed the Kolkata Knight Riders, who appear most interested in trading for the Baroda all-rounder as they are reportedly considering making Hardik Pandya their next captain. Aakash speculated that in exchange for Hardik, MI might demand two players from a pool including Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Anukul Roy.

“KKR have only Rinku Singh in the lower order, but that won't be a direct swap. Unless you can give either Varun Chakaravarthy or Harshit Rana with him, what will they gain by releasing Hardik and taking Rinku? The best combo will be Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana. Harshit and Anukul will be the second-best combo, and the third-best will be to get Anukul with Rinku," he said. 

He then shared his thoughts on a trade with the Delhi Capitals, identifying Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma as two players MI would likely target in exchange for Hardik Pandya.

Delhi might trade Axar Patel in exchange for Hardik, but they would certainly want a lower-order batter included in the deal—someone they actually need. So, could DC trade Axar and Ashutosh to MI? Axar Patel will be an invaluable asset, and if they get Ashutosh with him, lower-order batting as well," he noted. 

Regarding a potential trade with LSG, Aakash Chopra suggested the names of Mohsin Khan and Nicholas Pooran; Pooran is already part of the MI franchise in the MLC, playing for MI New York. He also proposed Prince Yadav's name, though he noted that LSG might not agree to that specific trade.

“Who can LSG offer? They can give Nicholas Pooran, but Mumbai don't need Pooran alone that much. They want him along with either Mohsin Khan or Prince Yadav. Prince won't get it. The minimal requirement will be Mohsin. They won't settle on Akash Singh. LSG may also say, "Give us Santner if they also need Mohsin," Chopra clarified.

Regarding a trade with Gujarat Titans, he suggested the names of Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada, though he acknowledged that GT would be unlikely to release two of their most crucial bowlers. Furthermore, even if Hardik were to return to GT, he likely wouldn't be offered the captaincy role. 

"Mumbai may ask for Rashid, but I doubt they will be interested in this exchange. But it's unlikely. Kagiso Rabada is another option, but why would they release a player that won the Purple Cap? In any case, as he only left the Gujarat Titans, I don't think this is likely to occur. Why would you want to go down that conventional path? Shubman Gill is doing captaincy. Why would you assemble two alphas members in this team?"He stated. 

He further remarked that if Mumbai Indians were to consider a trade with Rajasthan Royals, Yashasvi Jaiswal would be the ideal choice. He asserted that it was quite unlikely that RR would decide to move Ravindra Jadeja. 

“Yashasvi might have stated that he wants to depart, but their issue doesn't get solved with Yashasvi. I understand that he would be a future investment since he would provide a replacement for Rohit Sharma, but their lower-middle-order and bowling issues won't be resolved due to Hardik's exit. Can they give Yash Raj Punja? or Ravindra Jadeja - no. "This isn't a like-for-like replacement trade scenario," Chopra believes. 

Akash proposed the names of Shivam Dube, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, as well as Anshul Kamoj and Khaleel Ahmed, for a trade with Chennai Super Kings.

"CSK's CEO Kasi Viswanathan has recently denied trade rumors, but if they want to give, Shivam Dube plus Anshul Kamboj, or Ayush Mhatre plus Anshul Kamboj, or Shivam Dube plus Khaleel Ahmed, then might be its not a bad deal. Urvil Patel and Anshul Kamboj are also a combo. I simply feel that they can get a top-order batter and possibly Anshul Kamboj or Khaleel." chopra told.

For a trade with Punjab, he suggested Arshdeep Singh, alongside names like Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Shashank Singh, and Harpreet Brar.

"Who can Punjab supply? Will PBKS give Arshdeep Singh? There will be interest if they give their premium pacer. You might ask for Nehal or Shashank along with him. Hardik won't resolve Punjab's bowling issue, but he can remedy the issue of experience. Will you want to give Marco Jansen? He said, "You could give Marco Jansen and Harpreet Brar with him."