Image Credit To BCCI/IPL
The excitement for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 is beginning to build across India, with all 10 franchises gearing up for the mini auction, scheduled to be held in Goa on December 16, 2026. Hardik Pandya will lead Rajasthan Royals In IPL 2027.
Speculation surrounding Hardik Pandya’s future has gathered momentum during the IPL 2027 trade window, with multiple franchises reportedly making enquiries about the Mumbai Indians all-rounder.
Following another disappointing season for the five-time champions, questions continue to be raised over Pandya’s long-term future with the franchise. Mumbai Indians endured a forgettable IPL 2026 campaign, winning only four of their 14 league matches and finishing ninth in the points table.
Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians in November from Gujarat Titans and replaced Rohit Sharma as captain. Retained for Rs 16.35 crore, he had a below-par IPL 2026 season, scoring 206 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 138.25 while picking up four wickets.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians confirmed on Saturday that head coach Mahela Jayawardene will step down after the season. Amid the coaching change, reports have emerged that the franchise has held preliminary discussions with several teams over a potential trade involving Hardik Pandya.
All IPL teams must submit their retention lists by November 15, while the trade window will remain open until a week before the player auction in December.
Former India spinner R. Ashwin, while speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that Rajasthan Royals (RR) could be the frontrunners to sign Hardik Pandya if the all-rounder becomes available in the trade market. Ashwin said, “As far as I know, Rajasthan Royals are at the top of the list when it comes to acquiring Hardik Pandya.”
However, there has been no official confirmation from either franchise regarding any potential deal. Reports also claimed that Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals held discussions over Yashasvi Jaiswal a few months ago.
Those talks reportedly did not progress, and there are currently no active negotiations between the two teams. Jaiswal remains under contract with Rajasthan for at least another season.
Rajasthan Royals are not the only franchise showing interest in Hardik Pandya. With Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are reportedly looking for a new captain, making Pandya a potential target. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have also been linked with the former Gujarat Titans captain as they explore leadership options for the upcoming season.
