Table of Contents
India National Cricket Team all-rounder Hardik Pandya's future has become one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. Now, a fresh report suggests that Hardik Pandya is all set to become the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) captain ahead of the upcoming IPL 2027.
Earlier, many reports claimed that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could trade Hardik from Mumbai Indians (MI). It was reported that Mumbai Indians (MI) asked for Shivam Dube and young batter Ayush Mhatre in return for their captain Pandya. Amid this, VVS Laxman wants India head coach job, Gautam Gambhir's tenure blocks opportunity.
Hardik Pandya to captain KKR in IPL 2027?
But CSK reportedly offered Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, and ₹10 crore, but the Mumbai Indians later denied all those rumors. The Kolkata Knight Riders were also in the race, but MI’s demand of getting Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, or Ramandeep Singh didn’t help the trade to happen.
The reports were claiming that KKR was not ready to let go of their key players, and the deal was cancelled. But now, a Revsportz journalist, Rohit Juglan, shared that the Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Hardik Pandya as their captain ahead of the IPL 2027.
KKR needed an experienced captain and a valuable all-rounder, and Pandya perfectly fit in their role, although the official announcement has not yet been made by KKR. It is being speculated that it could be Cameron Green, who has been traded to the Mumbai Indians to bring Pandya to the KKR.
Update
— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) August 6, 2026
HP💜 (C)
PS - sorry CSK fans
KKR eye Hardik Pandya as captain, MI could turn to Suryakumar Yadav
Meanwhile, IPL 2027 could see some big captaincy changes, with several teams to start the new season under new leaders. The Kolkata Knight Riders will definitely have a new captain after Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from the game of cricket.
Rinku Singh was the top name, but if Mumbai Indians and KKR complete the deal, Hardik is likely to become KKR's new captain because he already has IPL and India captaincy experience. Hardik's possible exit has also left the Mumbai Indians to search for the new captain.
He had returned to MI before IPL 2024 after leading Gujarat Titans, with the franchise spending ₹15 crore to bring him back. At the moment, Suryakumar Yadav looks like the strongest option.
Suryakumar has already proved himself as a captain by leading India to the T20 World Cup title. Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are also experienced leaders, but chances of either taking over again look low.
Lucknow Super Giants' search for the new captain continue
The Lucknow Super Giants are also expected to have a new captain. The team finished last in IPL 2026, and later Rishabh Pant left the team and returned to Delhi Capitals through a trade.
Now, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh are the top names in the race to lead the Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise is expected to announce its new captain soon. But Markram recently denied his interest in leading the LSG in the IPL despite leading the Super Giants in the SA20 and The Hundred.
