Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath has asserted that ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya could stay with the Mumbai Indians (MI) for one more year if Rohit Sharma emerges as the franchise’s new captain.
According to reports, there have been rumours that Rohit is expected to be reappointed as the new captain of the MI franchise for the IPL 2027 season. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath reckoned that Rohit can convince Hardik to stay for a year and win a title together.
According to a report on Cricbuzz, Hardik Pandya is expected to be traded to Punjab Kings, while Arshdeep Singh is likely to be in MI’s side for the IPL 2027 season. However, Badrinath stated that Hardik can continue playing for MI for one more season and get relieved before the IPL 2028 mega auction to get more money.
“I feel Hardik will stay with MI if Rohit is the captain. Rohit might talk to Hardik and convince him to stay for a year and win a title together. If Rohit talks to him, Hardik will accept. Even from Hardik’s own point of view, he can think that with the mega auction next year, he could enter the auction. There, he could go for 30 or even 40 crores,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Further, Badrinath shared his views on Mumbai Indians (MI) elevating Kieron Pollard as their new head coach after Mahela Jayawardene stepped down from the role. He also reckoned that Pollard could have a talk with Hardik and convince him to stay for one more year.
“Hardik and Kieron Pollard have an excellent equation. They adore each other. So Pollard also could talk to Hardik and try to convince him to stay for one year and promise him an excellent environment in MI. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has a different level of command. So with that and Pollard being the head coach, Hardik’s respect for them could help him stay in MI,” said Badrinath.
