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Which will be Hardik Pandya’s next team ahead of the IPL 2027? As there was multiple interest in the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, the situation around Pandya remains pretty interesting.
For the pace-bowling all-rounder, arguably the best all-rounder right now in Indian cricket, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Delhi Capitals (DC) are the three franchises who are reportedly in the race to bring Hardik on board.
CSK-Hardik Pandya scenario involving Ruturaj Gaikwad
CSK are believed to be the frontrunner to secure Hardik’s signing. But after a YouTube video by Rohit Juglan, a RevSportz journalist, it seems there are a lot of complications still regarding a possible deal between the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians.
The journalist confidently claimed that Hardik Pandya wants captaincy.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain of CSK. In that case, if CSK officials want to keep their trust in Ruturaj, then will Hardik be eager to join the team? That’s the question. MS Dhoni appears as the only person who can resolve the matter. Through dialogue, the legendary keeper-batter could convince either Ruturaj or Hardik, if both of them play for the team in the IPL 2027 season.
“Hardik Pandya wants captaincy. He needs captaincy, or rather, he wants captaincy. If he is looking for a captaincy role, will Chennai Super Kings tinker with Ruturaj Gaikwad? As far as my sources are concerned, no,” Rohit Juglan mentioned in the video.
“One person, however, can change things completely—MS Dhoni. If Dhoni intervenes, only then can all these issues be sorted out. Either he has to convince Ruturaj Gaikwad, or he has to convince Hardik. If either of them agrees, Dhoni will understand the situation, and things can be resolved. If not, the story will take a different turn,” he added.
KKR will get back instantly in the race if Hardik Pandya declines CSK
In another scenario, if Hardik disagrees to join CSK, then Kolkata Knight Riders could be his priority as KKR are actively looking for a captain as well as a pace-bowling all-rounder. Hardik Pandya perfectly fits all of these roles.
“If that happens, Kolkata Knight Riders can easily offer Hardik Pandya the captaincy. They also need a bowling all-rounder, and Hardik fits both roles perfectly. He is a batting and bowling all-rounder and an experienced captain, making him an ideal option,” the journalist continued.
Delhi Capitals are also keeping their eyes on Hardik Pandya
After CSK and KKR, Delhi Capitals are also considered a contender to secure Hardik in their squad. Rishabh Pant, who was the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, joins DC ahead of IPL 2027, but is reportedly declining the leadership role. As Pant is not eager to lead the team, Axar Patel and KL Rahul are the only two potential candidates to get the role.
Axar was the captain in 2026, under whose leadership DC ended sixth in the points table. If the franchise decides to move on from Axar, then on the basis of the current team, Rahul will be the frontrunner to become the DC captain in the 2027 season.
“A similar situation exists with Delhi Capitals. As far as I know, Rishabh Pant has declined the captaincy and doesn't want the role. According to my sources, the current options include Axar Patel and KL Rahul, but at this point, KL Rahul is the front-runner. We will see what happens later, but for now, Rahul appears to be the leading candidate,” Rohit expressed.
The discussions for the leadership role will change drastically if Hardik joins the team. Hardik will straightaway be another contender for the captaincy.
“However, if Hardik joins Delhi Capitals, the captaincy conversation becomes even more interesting. The contenders would then include KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel,” he claimed.
