'Get Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh': Ashwin names MI's ideal Hardik Pandya trade
Speculation surrounds Hardik Pandya's future with the Mumbai Indians franchise. Ravichandran Ashwin discussed potential IPL trade scenarios involving other teams. He suggested Kolkata Knight Riders could be a strong contender for Pandya. Ashwin believes Mumbai must receive significant player value in any deal. The Mumbai Indians are considering rival team strengthening in trade discussions.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has offered his thoughts on the potential future of Hardik Pandya and the Mumbai Indians. After a disappointing season, with the franchise failing to reach the playoffs in three years and finishing ninth in the 2026 edition, speculation has swirled around Pandya's future with the team. Both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been linked with a potential deal for the India all-rounder.
According to Ashwin, if the Mumbai Indians were to part ways with their captain, KKR would be the frontrunner, while CSK would only consider a trade if it significantly enhances their own squad. However, Ashwin believes that the Mumbai Indians should only entertain a deal with KKR if they receive Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh in return.
He believes that such a trade would make the Mumbai Indians stronger and prevent either CSK or KKR from becoming too dominant. The discussion comes at a time when both franchises involved are undergoing transitions, with CSK recently losing their long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming and KKR preparing for life after Ajinkya Rahane's retirement.
Pandya's underwhelming performance in the IPL 2026 only adds to the speculation surrounding his immediate future and whether he will continue with the Mumbai Indians next season.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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