MI and KKR Resume Talks Over Hardik Pandya; Raghuvanshi and Rana Reportedly Part of Proposal
Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders resumed discussions on a potential trade for Hardik Pandya on November 1, 2026, as franchises prepare for the Indian Premier League 2027 mini-auction, according to reports. The Telegraph says MI have asked for fast bowler Harshit Rana and wicketkeeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi in exchange for Pandya.
The IPL 2027 mini-auction is scheduled for December 16, and teams must submit retention lists by November 15, prompting several franchises to explore trade options ahead of those deadlines. KKR are reportedly keen to bring in Pandya as they seek a new captain following Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement. Pandya previously captained Gujarat Titans to the title in their debut season in 2022, a point cited in coverage of the talks.
The Telegraph report states MI’s interest in Raghuvanshi stems from a need for an Indian wicketkeeper in their squad; the 22-year-old has impressed with performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. Mumbai view Raghuvanshi as a promising batting talent whose arrival could address wicketkeeping concerns while bolstering their Indian batting options. Harshit Rana is seen by MI as adding further quality to their pace attack.
KKR, however, have been reluctant to part with Raghuvanshi and the player has the support of head coach Abhishek Nayar. The franchise is also reported to be unwilling to let go of other core players, including Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and Rinku Singh. Those retention preferences complicate any potential swap involving MI’s requested duo.
KKR previously flagged concerns about Pandya’s fitness, noting he has not played a match since the previous IPL season, yet the franchise continues to value his leadership and experience. That mix of reservations and interest informs KKR’s approach as they weigh whether Pandya fits their captaincy plans. Reports link KKR’s pursuit of Pandya directly to their need for a new on-field leader after Rahane’s retirement.
Mumbai Indians are reported to want clarity on Pandya’s future ahead of the mini-auction so they can finalise retention plans, and both sides are expected to continue discussions this week before making a final decision. MI have also explored other trade targets, expressing interest in Rajasthan Royals’ Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi as they look to add an Indian batter and spinner to their squad. The ongoing negotiations are being carried out with the November 15 retention deadline and the December 16 mini-auction timetable in view.
Chennai Super Kings have also shown interest in Pandya, but coverage says a move to Chennai could be difficult because the franchise cannot offer him the captaincy role. Given that constraint, KKR could remain a strong option for Pandya provided MI and KKR reach agreement on the players involved.
Negotiations are set to continue this week, with MI reportedly seeking to resolve Hardik Pandya’s situation before submitting retention lists by November 15 ahead of the December 16 mini-auction.