Mumbai Indians (MI) have denied reports of holding trade talks with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or any other IPL franchise over Hardik Pandya, even as the franchise admitted that all aspects of the squad are under review following a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign.
Speculation over Pandya’s future intensified after the season concluded with another disappointing performance for the five-time champions. Three years after his trade from the Gujarat Titans, it hasn’t quite worked out for Pandya, due to issues of form, injury and lack of cohesion.
Pandya has been linked with almost every other franchise in the league, but nothing concrete has come out of it.
“Our post-season review is currently on, and we are looking into all aspects of the team. Contrary
to reports, we are not engaged in conversations with regard to player trades; the same is only possible once the review is complete,” the spokesperson told Sportstar.
The franchise added that multiple possibilities were being evaluated before any decision is taken.
“A range of options and ideas are being evaluated, which require time; hence no decisions have been made.”
While Mumbai denied any ongoing discussions, the statement leaves Pandya’s long-term future open, with the review expected to determine the direction of the squad ahead of the next IPL season.
The pre-auction trading window for the upcoming 2027 season is expected to close in the second week of December 2026.
Why Hardik Pandya will be desired by every team
Were Pandya to go into the auction, he’ll likely become one of the highest-paid players again, despite all the doubts about injuries and form. That’s because of his rare skillset: India, as a country, doesn’t have enough quality pace-bowling all-rounders.
Since his India debut in 2016, India haven’t been able to find an able replacement, with even Nitish Reddy being equally, if not more, injury-prone. So, a player like Pandya, who doesn’t take one of the four overseas spots, could provide incredible balance to any team.
