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Hardik Pandya may be out of Mumbai Indians, with Yashasvi Jaiswal moving to the other side, there is talk of a direct swap between Mumbai and Rajasthan Royals. The proposed trade, which would send a senior India all-rounder to Rajasthan and bring a young opening batsman back to his home city, is shaping up to be one of the most significant transfers of the build-up to IPL 2027.
According to a report in RevSportz, Hardik Pandya is among the high-profile names whose future is under serious review. The all-rounder, who returned to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024 and captained the franchise for the last three seasons, is reportedly in advanced talks which may lead to him leaving the franchise.
Hardik Pandya ready to leave Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians’ struggles in the last three seasons have forced the franchise to rethink its future. Under Hardik Pandya, MI finished 10th in IPL 2024, moved up to fourth in IPL 2025 and then slipped to ninth in IPL 2026.
While the 2025 season had briefly raised hopes of a playoff appearance, Mumbai failed to maintain that momentum. The franchise won only four of its 14 league matches in IPL 2026 and finished the season with just eight points.
Hardik’s individual returns with the bat have also been modest. He scored 216 runs in IPL 2024, followed by 224 runs in IPL 2025 and 206 runs in IPL 2026. While his leadership abilities remain respected across the league, Mumbai’s management is reportedly looking for a fresh start after three disappointing campaigns.
RevSportz reports that Hardik’s representatives are already engaged in discussions with Rajasthan Royals. The Royals, who recently went through an ownership change, are believed to be keen to acquire a major Indian superstar who can lead the franchise into a new era.
Will Yashasvi Jaiswal be replaced by Hardik Pandya?
The biggest reason behind Mumbai’s interest in Yashasvi Jaiswal is his long-term plans at the top of the order.
Rohit Sharma is reaching the final stages of his IPL career, and Mumbai are keen to secure a long-term opening partner for the future. Jaiswal, who rose through Mumbai’s domestic cricket structure before making his name with Rajasthan Royals, fits that profile perfectly.
The left-handed opening batsman has been one of the most consistent Indian batsmen in the IPL over the past few seasons. He scored 625 runs in IPL 2023, followed by 435 runs in IPL 2024, 559 runs in IPL 2025 and 427 runs in IPL 2026.
His aggressive style, left-handed presence and age profile make him an attractive option for Mumbai as they look to build their next championship-winning team.
The report further claims that Rajasthan Royals are keen to make a key signing, which could make Hardik Pandya a central figure in any potential talks. Although discussions are reportedly ongoing, no final agreement has been reached yet.
IPL stats of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Hardik Pandya
Yashasvi Jaiswal has established himself as one of the premier opening batsmen in the IPL. He has scored 2,593 runs in 83 matches at an average of 33.67 and strike rate of 152.79. His record includes two centuries and 18 half-centuries, highlighting his ability to dominate attacks consistently.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya remains one of the most efficient all-rounders in the league. In 162 IPL matches, he has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 while making regular contributions with both bat and ball. His experience as a title-winning captain and match-winning all-rounder makes him one of the most valuable Indian players in the tournament.
Nothing has been signed yet, and IPL trades of this scale usually take several weeks to finalize after the review meeting is held. But if Rajasthan and Mumbai agree to terms, Hardik Pandya and Yashasvi Jaiswal will swap dressing rooms for IPL 2027, with both franchises getting exactly the player profile they currently lack.
