Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer Ambati Rayudu has backed a potential IPL trade that could see Mumbai Indians captain (MI) Hardik Pandya join Rajasthan Royals (RR) before the next season. Rayudu suggested that such a move could benefit both franchises and help address key squad requirements.
The speculation comes after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign for Mumbai Indians. The five-time champions finished near the bottom of the points table and failed to make the playoffs. Their season ended with a defeat to Rajasthan Royals, where they managed only 175 runs while chasing a target of 206.
Ambati Rayudu Backs Hardik Pandya-To-Rajasthan Royals Trade
During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, the host suggested Hardik Pandya could move to Rajasthan Royals, with Yashasvi Jaiswal heading to Mumbai Indians in return.
Host: "Rayudu, you panned my last trick-or-trade, so here's a different one involving MI and RR. The idea is Hardik goes to Rajasthan Royals and they give one player to MI. Option number one is Jaiswal to MI. RR would love a player like Hardik, a lower-order finisher. I know it has not been the best season, but ultimately Hardik is a match-winner and might thrive in that environment. MI need an opener to replace Rohit in the long term. What do you think of this trade?"
Rayudu said that the Rajasthan Royals would benefit greatly from adding a player of Pandya's quality. He highlighted Hardik's value as both a batter and a bowler, describing the proposal as an attractive deal for Rajasthan.
Rayudu: "That is brilliant. I think RR should give one more, maybe Bishnoi, for Hardik because Hardik is a batsman and equally a good bowler."
Ambati Rayudu Gives Hardik Pandya-Yashasvi Jaiswal Trade A Perfect 10/10 Rating
Ambati Rayudu rated the trade a perfect 10 out of 10. His comments have fueled further discussion about the Mumbai Indians' future plans and whether the franchise could consider major changes involving Hardik Pandya ahead of the next IPL season.
Host: "How much do you give this out of 10?"
Rayudu: "10 out of 10."
If such a trade were to happen, Mumbai Indians would gain one of the most promising young openers in Indian cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 427 runs in 16 innings at an average of 30.50 and a strike rate of 152.50. Jaiswal's aggressive approach at the top of the order could help Mumbai Indians.
Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians Future Under Scrutiny After Disappointing IPL 2026 Season
Hardik Pandya's future with Mumbai Indians has come under the spotlight after a disappointing IPL 2026 season. Reports suggest the franchise could remove him as captain, while discussions about his place in the squad may also take place.
He returned from Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the 2024 season and replaced Rohit Sharma as captain. Hardik has led Mumbai to only one top-four finish in three years, with the team missing the playoffs twice under his leadership.
Mumbai Indians finished ninth in IPL 2026 with just four wins from 14 matches. Hardik also endured a difficult season with both bat and ball. He scored 206 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.26. With the ball, he took just four wickets at an economy rate of 11.43.
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