Speculation surrounding Hardik Pandya's future with Mumbai Indians has intensified, with former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin weighing in on reports linking the star all-rounder with a potential move to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the next Indian Premier League season.
Rumours of a possible trade between the five-time champions have gained traction on social media, with suggestions that CSK icon MS Dhoni could personally persuade Hardik to join the Chennai franchise. However, Ashwin believes that while the all-rounder's arrival would strengthen CSK, a deal remains a distant possibility.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin acknowledged the appeal of having Hardik in the CSK setup but stopped short of endorsing the speculation surrounding the proposed move.
"There have been conversations that Dhoni will personally convince Hardik Pandya to come to CSK. It will be a great addition for CSK. But in my opinion, it is a real far-shot," said Ashwin.
The former India spinner also offered an alternative possibility, claiming that Rajasthan Royals could be better placed to secure Hardik's services if a trade materialises.
"From what I've heard, RR are at the top of the list in the Hardik trade," he added.
Ashwin's comments come at a crucial time for Mumbai Indians, who are preparing for a significant change in their coaching setup following the departure of head coach Mahela Jayawardene.
The 49-year-old Sri Lankan, who guided the franchise to three IPL titles during his first tenure, returned to the role ahead of the 2025 season after previously coaching MI between 2017 and 2022.
His second stint produced mixed results. Mumbai finished fourth in the 2025 season before suffering defeat in Qualifier 2, while their 2026 campaign proved considerably more disappointing, with the five-time champions ending the tournament in ninth place.
The franchise must now identify a new head coach with the November 15 IPL retention deadline less than a month away.
With a major decision pending in the dugout and trade speculation surrounding Hardik continuing, Mumbai Indians face an important period ahead of the next season.
Rumours of a possible trade between the five-time champions have gained traction on social media, with suggestions that CSK icon MS Dhoni could personally persuade Hardik to join the Chennai franchise. However, Ashwin believes that while the all-rounder's arrival would strengthen CSK, a deal remains a distant possibility.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin acknowledged the appeal of having Hardik in the CSK setup but stopped short of endorsing the speculation surrounding the proposed move.
"There have been conversations that Dhoni will personally convince Hardik Pandya to come to CSK. It will be a great addition for CSK. But in my opinion, it is a real far-shot," said Ashwin.
The former India spinner also offered an alternative possibility, claiming that Rajasthan Royals could be better placed to secure Hardik's services if a trade materialises.
"From what I've heard, RR are at the top of the list in the Hardik trade," he added.
Ashwin's comments come at a crucial time for Mumbai Indians, who are preparing for a significant change in their coaching setup following the departure of head coach Mahela Jayawardene.
Mahela Jayawardene leaves Mumbai Indians after second stint
Mumbai Indians confirmed on Saturday that Jayawardene had ended his second spell as head coach after two seasons in charge.The 49-year-old Sri Lankan, who guided the franchise to three IPL titles during his first tenure, returned to the role ahead of the 2025 season after previously coaching MI between 2017 and 2022.
His second stint produced mixed results. Mumbai finished fourth in the 2025 season before suffering defeat in Qualifier 2, while their 2026 campaign proved considerably more disappointing, with the five-time champions ending the tournament in ninth place.
The franchise must now identify a new head coach with the November 15 IPL retention deadline less than a month away.
With a major decision pending in the dugout and trade speculation surrounding Hardik continuing, Mumbai Indians face an important period ahead of the next season.
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