Former IPL champions eye Hardik Pandya as next captain; negotiations with MI underway: Reports

Three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are reportedly eyeing to trade in star all-rounder Hardik Pandya from Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2027. According to the report, Rajasthan Royals are also interested in signing the former India skipper, but have now fallen behind in the race.

Pandya’s future with MI looked uncertain after the five-time IPL champions finished ninth in IPL 2026. This is the second instance in a row that Mumbai has failed to reach the playoffs under Pandya’s leadership since his return to the franchise from the Gujarat Titans.

According to a PTI report via Hindustan Times, an insider close to the development revealed that the two franchises have had multiple discussions over Pandya’s trade. It further adds that Pandya will take over the leadership role from Ajinkya Rahane if he joins the Knight Riders.

“Ajinkya Rahane was always a stop-gap arrangement for KKR, and he was always going to be released after this season,” the report stated. “The KKR top brass had approached MI owners towards the end of last season, but since Reliance’s Annual AGM was round the corner, IPL trade discussions weren’t a priority at that stage.

“However, it has been learned that KKR has once again approached MI’s top leadership and there have been a few rounds of discussions,” it added.

Pandya enjoys a good record as an IPL captain, winning 36 of 61 matches, while losing only 25. The energetic all-rounder guided Gujarat to their maiden title in their debut season in 2022 before leading them to a runner-up finish next year.

“He’d better be with a fresh setup” – Michael Vaughan wants Hardik Pandya to join a new IPL team

Former England captain Michael Vaughan had floated the same idea last month when he predicted that Pandya would fare better in a new IPL team. He also predicted a direct swap with a KKR all-rounder, Cameron Green.

“Replace him with Cameron Green. If he wants to carry on as captain, then he’d better be with a fresh setup. Maybe KKR. Kolkata will be looking for a new captain. That’s why the Green-Hardik swap,” Vaughan had said in a video shared by Cricbuzz.

Pandya had a lean outing in IPL 2026, scoring only 206 runs in 10 matches without a single half-century. He also struggled with the ball, picking up only four wickets and conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.43.