Ravi Ashwin on Hardik Pandya Trade: Since the end of IPL 2026, reports have been circulating that Hardik Pandya might change teams in the upcoming season. He could leave Mumbai Indians and join another team. However, sometimes reports surface that Chennai Super Kings are looking to trade him, and sometimes reports that Kolkata Knight Riders are looking to sign him. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin’s statement has now surfaced. Ashwin has explained the reasons why every team is seeking Hardik Pandya.
What did Ravichandran Ashwin say about Hardik Pandya?
For quite some time, reports of Hardik Pandya’s trade have been surfacing in cricket circles. If reports are to be believed, several teams are interested in signing Hardik Pandya. According to the latest report, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings are considering signing this star player.
Speaking about Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “Everyone wants a player like Hardik Pandya, right? Every franchise needs a player like Hardik Pandya. He’s a great three-dimensional player. With the ball, you can make him bowl with the new ball. With the bat, he’s the ultimate finisher. Now, let’s talk about captaincy. Whether someone wants him as captain is a different matter. His quality and the versatility he brings to a team is why he’s so talked about. Currently, CSK and KKR are in the race to sign him. But don’t be surprised if other franchises join the fray.”
Mumbai Indians’ performance under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy
In IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians re-signed Hardik Pandya and also handed him the captaincy. Hardik Pandya captained the Mumbai Indians in 39 matches from 2024 to 2026, leading them to victory in 15 matches and losing in 24. Thus, Hardik’s winning percentage while captaining Mumbai Indians is 38.46.
Hardik will join a team as captain
The news about Hardik Pandya’s trade is currently rife. Reports have revealed that Hardik has made it clear that he will captain any team he joins. Yes, Hardik Pandya has been captaining since IPL 2022. He led the Gujarat Titans to victory in 2022. Therefore, he now intends to continue playing as a captain. There’s no doubt that any team in the IPL looking for an Indian all-rounder or captain will be eyeing Hardik Pandya.