New Delhi: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Hardik Pandya's rumored move to Chennai Super Kings is a long shot, suggesting instead that Rajasthan Royals are better positioned to sign the Mumbai Indians all-rounder if a trade materializes ahead of IPL 2027.
Speculation regarding a potential transfer has grown on social media as Indian Premier League franchises approach the November 15 retention deadline. While suggestions have circulated that MS Dhoni might personally convince Hardik to join Chennai, Ashwin expressed skepticism about that possibility during a recent appearance on his YouTube channel.
According to Ashwin, Rajasthan Royals currently sit at the top of the list regarding the Hardik trade discussions. Meanwhile, reports have indicated that the all-rounder's prospective chances of joining Chennai decreased following the appointment of Zaheer Khan, referencing past friction during Zaheer's previous tenure with the Mumbai management.
Mumbai Indians have reportedly held preliminary discussions with multiple franchises concerning a trade for Hardik, though no official agreement has been finalized yet. Teams are currently evaluating their strategies ahead of the upcoming player retention deadline and the subsequent auction in December.
Alongside uncertainty surrounding player trades, the Mumbai franchise recently announced the departure of head coach Mahela Jayawardene, concluding his second stint with the team. After finishing fourth and reaching Qualifier 2 in 2025, Mumbai struggled through a difficult 2026 campaign that ended with a ninth-place finish, leaving the organization searching for a new head coach alongside decisions on player retentions.