Hardik Pandya to Rajasthan Royals? Ashwin says CSK move a long shot
Former India spinner R Ashwin says Rajasthan Royals lead the race for Hardik Pandya in a trade, while a Chennai Super Kings move is a real long shot. Neither franchise has confirmed.
Former India spinner R Ashwin has said that a Hardik Pandya move from Mumbai Indians to Chennai Super Kings is, in his opinion, "a real long shot". Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin added that "from what I've heard, RR are at the top of the list in the Hardik trade".
The remarks come amid speculation over Pandya's future after a disappointing IPL 2026 season for Mumbai Indians, who finished ninth in the 10-team tournament. According to Yahoo, neither Mumbai Indians nor Rajasthan Royals has publicly confirmed that a deal is being pursued.
Ashwin acknowledged that Pandya "will be a great addition for CSK", adding there had been talk that MS Dhoni would personally try to convince Pandya to join. However, he doubted a deal would happen. The Times of India reported that Ashwin stopped short of endorsing the speculation about a move.
Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade from Gujarat Titans in November 2023 and later replaced Rohit Sharma as captain. He was retained for Rs 16.35 crore and managed 206 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 138.25 in IPL 2026, along with four wickets.
Mumbai Indians announced the departure of head coach Mahela Jayawardene on Saturday 17 October 2026 and have reportedly held talks with several teams over a possible Hardik deal. The Times of India confirmed Jayawardene's exit and noted the franchise must find a new head coach with the 15 November retention deadline less than a month away.
IPL retention lists are due on 15 November 2026, and the trading window stays open until a week before the December auction.
A Cricbuzz report claimed Pandya's chances of moving to Chennai had receded after Zaheer Khan was appointed head coach, citing a reported rift between the two during Zaheer's time with the Mumbai Indians management. Zaheer was appointed in September after Stephen Fleming parted ways with the franchise, and CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan has said that Dhoni suggested his name.
Chennai Super Kings have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals reportedly held talks a few months ago involving Yashasvi Jaiswal, but those discussions did not make much headway and the two sides are not currently engaged. Jaiswal is contracted to Royals for at least one more season.
Kolkata Knight Riders have been named among the interested teams since they need a captain after Ajinkya Rahane's retirement, and Lucknow Super Giants have also reportedly shown interest in the former Gujarat Titans captain. Pandya's 206 runs and four wickets in IPL 2026 were a clear step down from the 224 runs and 14 wickets of the year before.
Read in depth: Sports
Kevin Durant and Suns owner Mat Ishbia exchange posts over his Phoenix tenure
The Houston Rockets forward objected to Ishbia’s account of the Suns’ 2023 trade for him. Ishbia said he was describing the team’s direction, not blaming Durant.
IllustrationNBA sportsbook partners bar parlays and other bets vulnerable to manipulation
The league and its betting partners have barred several player and game wagers after reviewing markets linked to earlier gambling scandals, according to reports on October 16.
Sources and context
- Not CSK: R Ashwin reveals Hardik Pandya's next IPL franchise as he rules out chances of joining Chennai Super Kingsyahoo.com
- ‘RR are at the top of the list’: Ashwin makes big revelation on Hardik Pandya tradeThe Times of India
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.