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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have sparked fresh rumours about a possible move for the Indian all-rounder and current Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, Hardik Pandya, ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction in Goa on December 16, 2026.
A new social media video featuring CSK mascot Leo caught fans' attention after a placard showing the number 33, Hardik's jersey number, appeared in it. Ravichandran Ashwin also reacted interestingly to the viral video, adding more fire to the growing buzz.
CSK drop cryptic hint on Hardik Pandya trade rumours ahead of IPL 2027
There have already been massive speculations for a long time over the high-profile trade between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, involving Hardik Pandya, but nothing has been finalized officially yet.
Hardik had reportedly conveyed his decision to MI after the poor IPL 2026 season. Amid the ongoing transfer rumours surrounding Hardik, CSK dropped a massive hint on social media on Tuesday, October 27, as they announced their support staff ahead of IPL 2027.
Chennai Super Kings announce coaching staff for IPL 2027
The five-time champions have confirmed that Sridharan Sriram and James Foster have been retained as the assistant bowling coach and fielding coach, respectively.
The franchise also confirmed the signing of Albie Morkel and Gareth Batty as the assistant coaches, while Zaheer Khan and Mohit Sharma were already named head coach and bowling coach, respectively.
Number 33 placard sparks Hardik Pandya trade buzz as Zaheer Khan smiles in viral video
In the latest video, Zaheer can be seen having a Q&A session with CSK mascot Leo. Leo asked the CSK head coach about some updates, and Zaheer showed him that they have finalised their support staff. Amid this, Ishan Kishan takes a cheeky dig at Abhishek Sharma’s celebration after his 113-run blitz vs New Zealand.
But the real twist came at the end of the session when Leo asked, "What about the trade??” and, interestingly, the placard showed the number 33, which is Hardik Pandya’s jersey number.
However, the Chennai Super Kings head coach refused to reveal anything, as he said, "This much is enough for now," before leaving the team’s headquarters wearing a broad smile.
Coach Zak at the HQ, and Leo's ready with the FAQs! 💛 #WhistlePodu #LeoHotline https://t.co/lR3OSQIjpg
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 27, 2026
Ravichandran Ashwin’s ‘Proper Cooking’ reaction adds more fire to Hardik Pandya-CSK rumours
The mystery has left fans wondering whether the five-time champions are planning a blockbuster trade for the Mumbai Indians captain. Even the former Indian and CSK off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin couldn’t help but drop an interesting reaction to the viral video.
Ashwin simply wrote on X sharing a fan video from that part of the CSK video: “Onnnnn??🔥🔥 Proper cooking ✅✅✅”. He smells something big brewing at CSK, and the reaction to the cryptic video has added more spice to the Hardik Pandya-to-Chennai Super Kings rumours.
Onnnnn??🔥🔥 Proper cooking ✅✅✅
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) October 27, 2026
Hardik Pandya to leave Mumbai Indians? CSK heats up speculations
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya's future has become a major topic of discussion following Mumbai Indians' ninth-place finish in the IPL 2026, where they won only four of their 14 league matches. It was the second time in three seasons under the Indian all-rounder’s captaincy that Mumbai Indians failed to reach the playoffs.
Reports have linked CSK, Kolkata Knight Riders and other teams with a possible move for the all-rounder. The speculation has now increased ahead of the IPL retention deadline on November 15.
However, CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan had earlier denied reports of discussions with Hardik. He said the franchise would consider its options only after completing its season review. MI also stressed that they were not involved in these trade talks while reviewing their 2026 campaign.
Well, Hardik could be a valuable addition for the Chennai team because of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. The star all-rounder’s captaincy experience and success with Gujarat Titans could also help CSK as it looks to rebuild its team after its poor campaigns since 2023's glory.
