IPL 2027 trade window and Hardik Pandya are once again in the headlines. Following reports claiming that Hardik Pandya’s move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been hit, Delhi Capitals (DC) have now joined the race to trade the Indian all-rounder from Mumbai Indians (MI).
The news may surprise many as Delhi Capitals are reportedly serious about bringing Hardik into their squad after bringing back explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after the conclusion of IPL 2026.
If this deal goes through, it could become one of the biggest player trades in IPL history. However, the talks are still in the early stages and nothing has been decided yet. Meanwhile, BCCI has shared an important update on Hardik Pandya’s recovery.
Delhi Capitals enter race for Hardik Pandya after CSK talks hit a wall
Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to part ways with their skipper Axar Patel as well as opener Prithvi Shaw in exchange for current Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya, reports Times of India Tamil. The Delhi-based franchise believes that Hardik can strengthen both the batting and bowling departments and also bring valuable leadership experience to the team.
The potential trade also suits Mumbai Indians in several ways. The five-time IPL champions have been on the lookout for a quality spin-bowling all-rounder after Krunal Pandya left the franchise and joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Akshar Patel fits perfectly into that role.
DC plans blockbuster trade involving Axar Patel and Prithvi Shaw, but MI may ask for Sameer Rizvi
Akshar Patel is not only a brilliant spinner but he is also capable of making important contributions with the bat. And the most important thing is that there will be no problem regarding salary structure. Hardik currently earns ₹16.35 crore with Mumbai Indians, while Axar Patel earns ₹16.50 crore with Delhi Capitals.
So, financially, this deal looks balanced for both the MI and DC teams. But the problem is Prithvi Shaw, as Mumbai Indians might not be interested in taking the opener as he has not played a single IPL match in the last two seasons.
Instead, the five-time IPL champions may ask the Capitals to include another young player in the deal. Sameer Rizvi is one of the names that is being talked about after his impressive IPL 2026 season, where he scored 252 runs in just nine matches and impressed everyone with his aggressive batting.
Why did Chennai Super Kings fail to complete the deal with Hardik Pandya?
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings were also interested in signing Hardik, but both the franchises could not agree on a final trade package. MI reportedly wanted Shivam Dubey and Ayush Mhatre in exchange for Hardik. However, CSK was not ready to let Mhatre leave the team.
Later both the teams found another option involving Shivam Dubey and Dewald Brevis. But Mumbai reportedly asked for an additional ₹10 crore along with the players, and CSK was unwilling to pay the additional amount, so the deal did not go ahead due to MI refusing to budge on their demands.
At the moment, Delhi Capitals have emerged as one of the strongest contenders to sign Hardik Pandya, as their proposed trade matches Mumbai Indians’ need for a spin-bowling all-rounder. However, the discussions are still in the early stages, and nothing is official yet.