table of contents
Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman S Badrinath has prepared a solid playing combination for the multiple-time IPL champions ahead of the IPL 2027 season. Badrinath has made the final eleven by including two fast bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes.
Hardik Pandya is currently a trending topic among cricket fans and experts. Since he wants to leave Mumbai Indians in 2026 after a disappointing season, there are several franchises, including CSK, who want the experienced campaigner on their side.
S Badrinath asks CSK to select Hardik Pandya
S Badrinath believes that if the Chennai Super Kings management is able to convince Hardik Pandya to join them in the offseason ahead of IPL 2027, it will be a huge thing for the team. In three consecutive seasons, the team failed to reach the playoffs, which is rare in their track record since the inception of the league.
The team management is expected to make some lucrative deals to bring them out of the slump. If media reports are to be believed, Chennai Super Kings are actively involved in the race to sign Hardik Pandya, beating other franchises who are also looking to do the same.
Potential trade talks have not been officially disclosed, neither by the player nor by any franchise; This remains only speculation and possibility. The former cricketer said that smoke is not possible without fire. So, there must be some truth behind all these media reports claiming Hardik Pandya’s future.
Ben Stokes can also boost the market
Ben Stokes, who announced his retirement from the England cricket team a few days ago, may also be in great demand before the season. He may have reached his peak, but it cannot be denied that the former England captain can still perform well with both bat and ball.
According to S Badrinath’s view, it would be great for CSK if they have both Stokes and Hardik Pandya.
Badrinath said on his YouTube channel, Cric It With Badri, “MI will not give Hardik Pandya for nothing. They would want at least two players in return. CSK should trade Shivam Dubey as an all-rounder in exchange for Hardik. It would be a dream situation for CSK if they can offload Hardik and get Ben Stokes. CSK will be in talks for Hardik, but they might not want to reveal it right now.”
What will be the best position for Hardik Pandya in IPL 2027?
You may get an offer from a Chennai-based franchise, but should Hardik join them? Examining the situation and reports, S Badrinath said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would be the best fit for the all-rounder as the team needs a brilliant all-rounder, a captain and an experienced cricketer. Pandya fits all these criteria perfectly.
“It seems that all the teams except RCB and SRH are interested in Hardik Pandya. There is no smoke without fire. So these reports suggest that Mumbai Indians are ready to trade him. Being a high-quality all-rounder, the ideal team for Hardik Pandya would be KKR. They need an all-rounder, a captain and a senior player, which makes him ideal for there,” he said.
S Badrinath’s dream CSK playing combination for IPL 2027:
Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel, Karthik Sharma, Dewald Brewis, Ben Stokes, Hardik Pandya, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmed, Khaleel Ahmed
