Rumors of a possible mid-season or post-season trade involving Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya have been dismissed by the franchise camp. There is speculation on social media about the star all-rounder joining another team after Mumbai Indians’ disappointing IPL 2026 campaign.
Mumbai Indians recently faced Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on Thursday, May 14. With regular captain Hardik unavailable, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah led the team in the match. They are second from bottom in the table with four wins from 12 matches and are already out of the race for the playoffs.
key points
- Mumbai Indians have reportedly quashed rumors of trading Hardik Pandya after IPL 2026.
- Speculations were linking Hardik Pandya with a possible transfer to CSK and Delhi Capitals.
- MI clarified that there are no trade discussions related to Hardik.
Will Hardik Pandya be traded after IPL 2026?
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the Mumbai Indians camp clarified the situation regarding Hardik Pandya to stop the increasing speculations. The franchise ruled out any possibility of trading the all-rounder to another team. Team management is not discussing or considering any trade during the current season.
Social media rumors recently linked Pandya to joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Speculations intensified due to his prolonged absence from the playing eleven and his alleged links with officials of other franchises.
Hardik Pandya joins Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 after a high-profile move from Gujarat Titans (GT). He led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022 and the final in 2023. Under his captaincy, Mumbai Indians missed the playoffs in 2024, qualified in 2025 and failed to reach the playoffs in 2026.
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Hardik Pandya is not playing the match due to back spasms and fitness concerns
The main reason behind Hardik’s absence from the playing eleven is not any internal problem within the franchise but a fitness issue. The 32-year-old has been battling back spasms since MI’s match against Chennai Super Kings on May 2, which has limited his availability for recent games.
Hardik did not go to Dharamshala with the team for the match against Punjab Kings. He has missed three consecutive matches, including the matches in Mumbai and Raipur. Suryakumar Yadav captained the team in two of these matches, before Jasprit Bumrah took over the leadership responsibility in the latest match.
Despite injury concerns, Hardik recently trained late into the night at the Reliance Corporate Park as his recovery continues. However, the medical staff has not yet given him full clearance to return to competitive cricket.
Hardik Pandya’s poor IPL 2026 form raises questions on captaincy and role
The experienced all-rounder has struggled to make a strong impact with both bat and ball during IPL 2026. His poor form has raised questions about his captaincy and overall role in the playing eleven.
Hardik has scored only 146 runs in eight innings this season. His average with the bat is below 21 and his strike rate is 136.44. He has also failed to deliver the quick finishing innings that Mumbai Indians expected from him in close matches.
His bowling form this season has also disappointed. Hardik has taken only four wickets giving around 12 runs per over. Mumbai Indians will next face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 20 at the Eden Gardens.
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