Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians (MI) reportedly split after a dismal IPL 2026 season. Hardik Pandya, MI’s franchise captain, missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. Pandya became MI captain in 2024. Yet MI reached the playoffs in only one season, finishing 10th and 9th in the other two.
This has sparked rumours of a rift between Hardik Pandya and MI management, and while reports link multiple franchises interested in trading Hardik Pandya, today we look at three franchises that absolutely do not need Hardik Pandya’s services, especially as captain.
Here are the 3 teams that might not be interested in picking Hardik Pandya in IPL 2027:
3. Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans made Hardik Pandya captain in IPL 2022, when they made their debut, and he led them to the IPL title the same season. Pandya also led Titans to the final of IPL 2023 as well, and it looked like Pandya was set for a long haul as GT captain. But in IPL 2024, MI traded for Hardik Pandya, who left GT hanging before another mega auction.
However, Shubman Gill has led GT well, taking them to the final in IPL 2026. They have gotten a captain who is young and leads them from the front with the bat at the top. Gill, being India’s Test and ODI captain, helps GT in planning their IPL seasons. Hardik Pandya will not get captaincy once more if he returns to GT, and even the franchise reportedly said no to a trade request from MI for the all-rounder.
2. Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings would do well having Hardik Pandya in their squad for IPL 2027. This will open up an overseas spot for them, given Hardik Pandya will be categorised as an Indian all-rounder. It will also give them much-needed power hitting in the lower order, helping Shashank Singh. PBKS coach Ricky Ponting has worked closely with Hardik Pandya for MI and knows his value.
However, Punjab Kings won’t offer captaincy to Hardik Pandya, with Shreyas Iyer at the helm. It will be a huge ego clash between two players of immense talent, and while Pandya might be able to help Iyer in tough situations, Punjab management would like to avoid a situation where sparks fly between the two class players.
1. Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had been one of the first franchises to reportedly open talks with the Mumbai Indians for Hardik Pandya’s trade. There were rumours that the two franchises had come very close to completing the deal. But there were several factors that led to the deal not materialising.
Hardik Pandya won’t get captaincy in CSK, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson present. MS Dhoni is unlikely to play a huge role as a player in IPL 2027, despite his closeness with Pandya. Also, MI had requested the likes of Ayush Mhatre and Noor Ahmad for Pandya, which was denied by CSK. Overall, CSK will do just fine for one season without Hardik Pandya and without losing their top players in a trade.
