Hardik Pandya may play under Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians in IPL 2027

Hardik Pandya has reportedly agreed to play under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy at Mumbai Indians in IPL 2027 if his proposed trade to another franchise does not materialise, according to a report by The Indian Express published on October 30, 2026. The report also says Rohit Sharma has agreed to resume the Mumbai Indians captaincy after the franchise requested him to return.

Mumbai Indians finished ninth in IPL 2026, winning four of their 14 matches, and the franchise is undertaking changes ahead of the 2027 season as it looks to climb the points table. Hardik Pandya’s future at MI is described in reports as uncertain while interest in the all-rounder has emerged from other teams. The Indian Express account is the source for the captaincy and trade-related details cited in this story.

Several franchises have reportedly shown interest in acquiring Pandya, with Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals named as suitors; no trade deal has been finalised so far. “If Pandya’s trade doesn’t take place, it is learnt that the player has agreed to play under Rohit’s captaincy,” the report stated.

The report recalls that Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024 and was immediately appointed captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. The Indian Express added that the player’s potential return to a role under Rohit would represent another change in their respective responsibilities at the franchise.

Rohit Sharma’s history with Mumbai Indians is noted in the report: he led the franchise to five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. He was replaced by Hardik ahead of the 2024 season when the all-rounder returned to the club.

The Indian Express report says Rohit initially suggested Tilak Varma as a captaincy candidate but the franchise wanted him to lead the side, and that Rohit has agreed to take over the role. “Rohit initially had suggested Tilak Varma’s name but the franchise has requested him to take over captaincy which he has now agreed,” the Indian Express report stated.

According to The Indian Express, Rohit Sharma has agreed to take back the Mumbai Indians captaincy for IPL 2027; the squad’s makeup for that season will depend in part on whether any trade for Hardik Pandya is completed, a process that has not yet been finalised.