Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer Ambati Rayudu has backed a possible IPL trade that could see Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya join Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the next season. Rayudu suggested that such a move could benefit both the franchises and help address the team’s key requirements.
This speculation comes after Mumbai Indians’ disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. The five-time champions finished bottom of the points table and failed to make the playoffs. Their season ended with a defeat to Rajasthan Royals, where they could only score 175 runs while chasing a target of 206.
Ambati Rayudu supports Hardik Pandya-to-Rajasthan Royals trade
During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, the host suggested that Hardik Pandya could go to Rajasthan Royals, and in turn Yashasvi Jaiswal could go to Mumbai Indians.
Host: “Rayudu, you criticized my previous trick-or-trade, so here’s a different approach involving MI and RR. The idea is that Hardik goes to Rajasthan Royals and they give a player to MI. Option number one is Jaiswal for MI. RR would love a player like Hardik, who is a lower-order finisher. I know it hasn’t been the best season, but ultimately Hardik is a match-winner and can thrive in that environment. MI What do you say about this trade?
Rayudu said that Rajasthan Royals will benefit a lot by including a player like Pandya. He highlighted the importance of Hardik as both a batsman and bowler and called the offer an attractive deal for Rajasthan.
Rayudu: “It’s fantastic. I think RR should get another replacement for Hardik, probably Bishnoi, because Hardik is a batsman and an equally good bowler.”
Ambati Rayudu gives perfect 10/10 rating to Hardik Pandya-Yashaswi Jaiswal trade
Ambati Rayudu rated the trade 10 out of 10. His comments have sparked further discussion about Mumbai Indians’ future plans and whether the franchise could be considering major changes involving Hardik Pandya ahead of the next IPL season.
Host: “How much do you give it out of 10?”
Rayudu: “10 out of 10.”
If such a trade had happened, Mumbai Indians would have acquired one of the most promising young opening batsmen in Indian cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 427 runs in 16 innings at an average of 30.50 and strike rate of 152.50. Jaiswal’s aggressive approach at the top of the order can help Mumbai Indians.
Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians future under scrutiny after disappointing performance in IPL 2026 season
Hardik Pandya’s future with Mumbai Indians has come into focus after a disappointing performance in the IPL 2026 season. If reports are to be believed, the franchise may remove him from the captaincy, while there may also be discussion regarding his place in the team.
He returned to Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the 2024 season and replaced Rohit Sharma as captain. Hardik has taken Mumbai to the top four only once in three years, with the team missing the playoffs twice under his leadership.
Mumbai Indians finished ninth in IPL 2026 with just four wins from 14 matches. Hardik also faced a tough season with both bat and ball. he scored 206 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.89 and strike rate of 138.26. He took only four wickets with the ball at an economy rate of 11.43.
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