Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about trade options for Hardik Pandya after Mumbai Indians' (MI) disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. Ashwin discussed several potential destinations and player-swap scenarios, suggesting that rival franchises could target the star all-rounder ahead of IPL 2027.
Hardik endured a disappointing IPL 2026 season with both bat and ball for Mumbai Indians. The experienced all-rounder struggled for consistency, scoring 206 runs in 10 matches at an average of just 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.26. He took four wickets at an average of nearly 65 at an economy rate of 11.42.
I Don't Think MI Will Entertain Any Trade Without Mhatre - Ravichandran Ashwin on Hardik Pandya Trade
Speaking about this on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin believes Mumbai Indians could consider major changes after a disappointing IPL 2026 season. However, he felt that Mumbai Indians would demand Ayush Mhatre from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in return.
"MI trading Hardik Pandya is still doubtful. But from a CSK point of view, I would try to get Hardik in an all-cash deal without giving up any player. However, if I were the MI owner, I would ask CSK for Mhatre, Khaleel, and Kamboj in a Hardik trade. I don't think MI will entertain any trade with CSK that doesn't involve Mhatre."
Other Franchises Will Also Look At The Hardik Trade - Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin also suggested that several franchises could show interest if Hardik Pandya becomes available in the trade window. The former India spinner added that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Delhi Capitals (DC) might explore potential deals.
"Other franchises will also look at the Hardik trade. An LSG might trade Shahbaz, Mukul Choudhary, and Prince Yadav for Hardik. Even PBKS might consider trading Arshdeep Singh or a KL Rahul for Hardik Pandya, with DC, might be possible. Even a Hardik trade with Cameron Green might be a good option."
Hardik's captaincy has come under pressure after Mumbai Indians missed the playoffs in two of his three seasons. The five-time champions finished ninth in IPL 2026, winning only four matches. Notably, two of those victories came when Hardik was unavailable.
MI Will Go The Tilak Varma Route For Captaincy - Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin believes Mumbai Indians could turn to Tilak Varma as their next captain. The former India spinner said that the team is more likely to back the young batter than appoint a replacement captain through a trade.
"MI will go the Tilak Varma route for captaincy. With that, I doubt they'll make any Hardik trade with the hope of making whoever they get in return the captain," said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).
Despite having experienced players such as Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah in the squad, Tilak Varma was one of Mumbai Indians' best performers in IPL 2026. The left-hander scored 359 runs at a strike rate of 145.93 and averaged just under 30 during the season.
