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The IPL trade window has opened and Hardik Pandya has become the biggest name in the rumor mill. The Mumbai Indians captain is reportedly ready to leave the five-time champions, and Shah Rukh Khan co-owned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have firmly come into the picture.
After a poor IPL 2026 season for Mumbai Indians, where the team struggled throughout the tournament and finished at the bottom of the table, big changes are already on the way. There are strong indications that Hardik is looking for his new home in the IPL and KKR is exploring the possibility of bringing the star all-rounder to Eden Gardens before IPL 2027.
KKR looking for a new start, Shahrukh Khan also joins the discussion on Hardik Pandya’s transfer.
The reason behind KKR’s interest is understandable. The three-time champions have failed to maintain the winning streak since lifting the IPL trophy in 2024. The last two seasons have been disappointing for Kolkata Knight Riders, with the team failing to make any impact.
Those disappointing campaigns have forced the franchise to rethink their plans. KKR needs a proven Indian star around whom they can build their team for the future and Hardik Pandya fits that requirement perfectly. Interestingly, despite Hardik Pandya’s fitness concerns, Shah Rukh Khan’s name has now been linked with trade rumours.
As per MyKhel report, KKR co-owner and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan is personally very keen to bring Pandya on board to strengthen the franchise after two poor seasons.
SRK not happy with the direction of KKR, wants Hardik Pandya to lead the new era
The report further states that King Khan usually stays away from cricket-related decisions, but Kolkata Knight Riders’ recent performance in the IPL has increased his interest in the future direction of the franchise.
The report further reads, “SRK is unhappy with the lack of long-term vision and strategic direction shown by the team management over the past few seasons. As a result, the KKR co-owners are now keen to acquire a proven leader capable of rebuilding the franchise around a strong Indian core.”
Hardik brings something that very few players in world cricket can offer. He is a captain, a finisher, a fast bowling all-rounder and a player who performs well in pressure situations. And most importantly, this all-rounder played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup wins in 2024 and 2026. This is why the Bollywood megastar considers Hardik as much more than just a signer.
Shahrukh Khan ready for all-cash deal to sign Hardik Pandya
Interestingly, the same report has revealed that Shah Rukh Khan is ready to make aggressive moves to sign the Indian all-rounder ahead of the IPL 2027 mega auction. KKR and SRK are considering an all-cash trade deal to secure Hardik’s services.
If the move ultimately happens, it could give Kolkata Knight Riders a superstar around whom they can build a team for future title fights.
Earlier, there were rumors of Hardik Pandya-Yashaswi Jaiswal swap between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. But KKR’s interest has added a new twist. With KKR exploring the possibility of a cash-only deal, they could emerge as a serious contender in the race for the star all-rounder.
