Ashwin says Hardik Pandya trade talks 'far from happening' after linking to CSK and KKR

Ravichandran Ashwin told viewers on his YouTube channel on 2026-08-07 that rumours linking Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction were not near completion. "Nothing has moved. Nobody has confirmed the trade," he said, adding: "This deal will not be closed this early. Don't count on Hardik going elsewhere."

Speculation over Hardik's future has been widespread during the IPL off-season, with reports naming both CSK and KKR as potential destinations and social media users analysing everything from the captain's Instagram posts to possible trade packages. Hardik, who returned to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans and assumed the captaincy before the 2024 season, has seen his status debated as franchises prepare for the IPL 2027 mini auction.

Ashwin argued Mumbai Indians would be cautious about strengthening direct rivals and cited the franchise histories involved when explaining that such a trade would be complicated. "The reason I'm saying this is because, when you're talking about giving away a player like Hardik Pandya, you're talking about Mumbai Indians, five-time champions. Then the other parties reportedly involved are five-time champions Chennai Super Kings and three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders. If I'm Mumbai Indians, why would I want to part with Hardik so that these teams become even stronger?" he asked, later adding: "If my team is getting strengthened further, or at least I'm getting an equal trade, then I'll give away my player. Secondly, why would I strengthen another team?"

Ashwin recalled a stalled transfer from his own time at Punjab Kings to underline how deals can collapse and cautioned that a player's preference does not unilaterally determine the destination. He said that a move for Shikhar Dhawan once appeared likely but fell through and Dhawan went on to play for Delhi Capitals, and warned: "And if you're all saying Hardik has told them, 'I will only play for this particular franchise', that doesn't suffice. A player can only say, 'I don't want to play here.' He can't say, 'I want to go to this particular team,' beyond a certain point."

Discussing the specific packages being reported, Ashwin questioned whether the offers would genuinely improve Mumbai Indians. "Because what can CSK offer? A fast bowler and Shivam Dube, according to speculation. What can KKR offer? Cameron Green? What if Green goes to play the Ashes and misses the IPL next year?" he said, before outlining one scenario in which a KKR proposal might make sense: "I can think of only one possibility. If KKR can offer Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh, then the deal can go through. It would make the Mumbai Indians team better."

On potential exchanges with Chennai, Ashwin said Mumbai would demand players capable of significantly strengthening their side and warned about breaking another team's core. "If Mumbai Indians want Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed and Shivam Dube, then CSK's Indian bowling core is gone. That's how I would think. If they're going to break our core, we'll break theirs. So, it's not going to be an easy deal."

Ashwin also spoke positively about Shivam Dube's attributes while questioning how CSK have used him. "Shivam Dube has had a few tough seasons, in terms of ordinary drops on the field. But, if he goes out, he will be a beast. Dube is a rare commodity in India. Left-handed batter, long lever, can hit the long ball. I personally feel CSK hasn't utilised Shivam Dube properly. They haven't given him confidence. Even if CSK give one fast bowler and Shivam Dube, MI get strengthened."

Ashwin closed by reiterating that talks, if they exist, remained at an early stage and that Mumbai Indians would weigh options carefully. "I believe CSK shouldn't let go of Hardik Pandya. The trade hasn't happened. It is far from happening. KKR are also in the mix. But, MI will consider a lot of options before finalising, if they finalise. It won't be done very easily."