Not CSK: R Ashwin reveals Hardik Pandya's next IPL franchise as he rules out chances of joining Chennai Super Kings originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- R Ashwin has said that a trade taking Hardik Pandya from Mumbai Indians to Chennai Super Kings is a far-shot.
- Ashwin believes Rajasthan Royals are at the top of the list for the all-rounder.
- Retention lists are due on November 15, and the IPL auction takes place in December.
Hardik Pandya's IPL future is the talk of the trade window
Hardik Pandya's future has become one of the biggest talking points of the IPL 2027 trade window, with several franchises reportedly enquiring about the all-rounder after another difficult season for Mumbai Indians. The five-time champions won only four of their 14 league games and finished ninth in IPL 2026.
Pandya returned to Mumbai in an all-cash trade from Gujarat Titans in November 2023 and went on to replace Rohit Sharma as captain. He was retained for Rs 16.35 crore and managed 206 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 138.25 in IPL 2026, along with four wickets.
Mumbai announced the departure of head coach Mahela Jayawardene on Saturday, and the franchise has reportedly held discussions with several teams over a possible Hardik deal. Retention lists are due on November 15, and the trading window stays open until a week before the December auction.
MORE: IPL 2027 mini-auction: Date, venue and details of auction
Ashwin on whether Hardik Pandya can join Chennai Super Kings
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former India spinner R Ashwin addressed the speculation that MS Dhoni could personally convince Hardik to join Chennai Super Kings, as reported by NDTV. Ashwin said the talk was out there, but he was not convinced that anything concrete was happening behind it.
Ashwin said, "There have been conversations that Dhoni will personally convince Hardik Pandya to come to CSK." He admitted, "It will be a great addition for CSK." He quickly followed it with, "But in my opinion, it is a real long shot."
A Cricbuzz report claimed recently that Hardik's chances of moving to Chennai had receded after Zaheer Khan was appointed head coach, given a reported rift between the two during Zaheer's stint with the Mumbai Indians management. The report added that a new setup at CSK could change the equation.
Zaheer was appointed in September after Stephen Fleming parted ways with the franchise, and CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan has said that Dhoni suggested his name. Chennai have also missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, which makes the search for reinforcements easy to understand.
Rajasthan Royals tipped as the frontrunner for Hardik
Ashwin pointed to a different destination for the all-rounder, saying, "From what I've heard, RR are at the top of the list in the Hardik trade." The remark does not come with any confirmation, and neither franchise has publicly confirmed that a deal is being pursued.
Mumbai and Rajasthan reportedly held talks a few months ago involving Yashasvi Jaiswal, but those discussions did not make much headway and the two sides are not currently engaged. Jaiswal is contracted to Royals for at least one more season, so they have no reason to rush.
Royals are not the only side linked with Hardik. Kolkata Knight Riders have been named among the interested teams since they need a captain after Ajinkya Rahane's retirement, and Lucknow Super Giants have also reportedly shown interest in the former Gujarat Titans captain.
MORE: Who is Mumbai Indians' head coach for IPL 2027?
Mumbai Indians should not sell Hardik Pandya cheaply
Mumbai Indians would be selling Hardik Pandya at a low point in his value, and that alone should make them wary of a quick deal. His 206 runs and four wickets in IPL 2026 were a clear step down from the 224 runs and 14 wickets of the year before.
The market also looks thinner than the headlines suggest. Ashwin himself called a move to Chennai a long shot; the reported rift with Zaheer Khan complicates it, and the talks with Rajasthan have stalled. Kolkata and Lucknow have been linked, but no report shows a franchise ready to meet Mumbai's price.
Mumbai also have a head coach to appoint and a captaincy question to settle before November 15. Making a major call on a senior player before the new coach is in place would be a risk, and a patient approach, even one that keeps Hardik for another season, looks the safer path.
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