Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may release Shivam Dube and Dewald Brewis with an additional Rs 10 crore due to the possible trade of Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the Indian Premier League 2027 (IPL 2027). To bring Hardik on board, CSK may have to confirm a player-plus-cash deal with MI.
Yet, at the age of 32, Hardik Pandya, arguably Indian cricket’s best fast-bowling all-rounder, is all set to leave Mumbai Indians ahead of next year’s IPL. According to IPL rules, trade talks are possible only between franchises and not with individual players.
Player plus cash deal possible between Chennai Super Kings and Hardik Pandya before IPL 2027
Despite Hardik’s performance in the IPL 2025 season, his market value in the Indian Premier League is estimated to be around Rs 16.35 crore. The final valuation will be decided after negotiations between the franchisees. At present, CSK is considered to be the frontrunner in the race to secure Hardik’s services.
There is not going to be an all-cash deal between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. There are three possible ways deals can be made in the IPL: an all-cash deal, a swap deal (one player against another player), and a player-plus-cash deal. CSK are most likely to make a player-plus-cash deal for Hardik.
Mumbai Indians want to earn maximum profit from the deal with Hardik Pandya.
According to Hindustan Times, since Mumbai Indians want to make as much profit as possible by selling their captain, they want several exciting prospects from CSK. Fast bowling all-rounder Shivam Dubey, a look-alike replacement for Hardik Pandya, and Ayush Mhatre are reportedly the key targets of the Mumbai-based franchise.
But will CSK allow Ayush Mhatre to join their rival franchise? Probably not. Super Kings are reportedly not interested in signing a young talented player like Ayush Mhatre with any other IPL franchise. Instead, another rising talent Dewald Brewis could be included in a potential player-plus-cash deal.
In short, MI wants Shivam Dube and Ayush Mhatre in exchange for Hardik, but CSK is interested in offering Dube, Dewald Brevis and an additional Rs 10 crore.
Hardik Pandya was not at his best in the IPL 2026 season
Despite consecutive poor seasons for Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya is still considered the premium all-rounder on the field. Last season, he scored 206 runs at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.26 without any half-centuries and did not play many games due to injury. While Pandya earned the most fame in the death overs, he was also not at his peak and could score only 49 runs in 37 balls at a strike rate of 132.4.
His performance with the ball remained poor throughout the season. His economy rate in the death overs was much higher than expected from him. Overall, Hardik got only 4 wickets in 22.4 overs at an average economy rate of 11.43 runs in IPL 2026. The economy rate increased to 15.75 during the death overs and 13.75 per over in the powerplay. In the middle overs, from 12 to 16, he was effective with his variations, conceding only 7.80 runs per over.
