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The Indian Premier League is over for this year but it has left a feeling of warmth all around as there is a lot of speculation regarding the future of many top-tier talents with their current franchises.
Hardik Pandya remains one of the hot topics after another disappointing IPL season as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain. If the latest media reports are to be believed, Hardik Pandya is on the verge of doing a golden handshake with Mumbai Indians before the next IPL season.
KKR is all set to replace Ajinkya Rahane
According to the latest media reports, Hardik Pandya has many interests, including a strong one. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is reportedly in constant touch with the MI franchise.
Even before the conclusion of the 2026 season, there were many question marks over Ajinkya Rahane’s future at the franchise, under whose captaincy the multiple-time league winners failed to impress in back-to-back seasons.
Sources reveal that KKR officials are actively considering replacing Rahane in a bid to reshuffle the leadership roles. Hardik Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to the title, has emerged as the top contender to replace Ajinkya Rahane.
Hardik Pandya may join KKR from Mumbai Indians
According to sources, the franchise considered the experienced opener mostly not for a long-term role, but as a stopgap captain.
“Ajinkya Rahane was always a stop-gap arrangement for KKR, and he was always going to be released after this season. KKR top brass had approached MI owners at the end of last season, but since Reliance’s annual AGM was around the corner, IPL business was not the biggest priority at that time,” a source close to the development told news agency PTI.
It is also reported that the Kolkata-based franchise has had several rounds of discussions, and the talks are expected to be long as the Knight Riders are keen to appoint a new captain ahead of another season.
“However, it is learned that KKR have again approached the MI top leadership and a few rounds of discussions have taken place,” the source further added.
A trade deal could be an option
Despite the underwhelming performances, Hardik Pandya remains one of the most prominent fast bowling all-rounders in the entire country, especially in the white-ball format. Needless to say, Kolkata Knight Riders will have to pay a heavy price if Mumbai Indians agree to a deal with them.
Player transfers may occur through an all-cash deal or trade. A trade deal would allow Mumbai Indians to pick a player from KKR’s current squad. If both the parties agree on a trade deal, then who will leave Kolkata and set foot in Mumbai? At present no clear answer has been found.
It is also important to remember that, as per IPL rules, no contracted player is allowed to communicate with any other franchise regarding a transfer. Another franchise Rajasthan Royals may also be interested in Pandya. However, there is no concrete evidence about this.