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Speculation over Hardik Pandya’s future with the Mumbai Indians continues to grow, and former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in with his own assessment of how a potential blockbuster IPL trade could unfold.Pandya’s future has been the subject of intense discussion following another disappointing campaign for Mumbai Indians. Under his leadership, the franchise managed just one playoff appearance in three seasons, while the 2026 edition ended with the five-time champions finishing ninth in the 10-team table.Reports have linked both Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders with a possible move for the India all-rounder. Ashwin believes those two franchises are the frontrunners if Mumbai decide to part ways with their captain, but he also outlined the kind of deal he thinks the franchise should demand.Speaking on his Tamil YouTube channel, Ashwin said Mumbai Indians should only consider doing business with Kolkata Knight Riders if the deal significantly strengthens their own squad.“Don’t count out Hardik going to a franchise other than CSK or KKR. The talk is that CSK will give Dube and a pacer, while KKR will give away Cameron Green. What happens if Green decides to focus on the Ashes next year? If I were MI, I would accept a deal with KKR on only one condition: getting Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh in return. That is the only way MI gets stronger,” Ashwin said.He also pointed out that Mumbai would have to consider not only what they receive in return, but also how much stronger a direct rival could become by signing Pandya.“MI will also think about who between CSK and KKR gets stronger through the Hardik trade. If CSK give away Dube and one Indian pacer to get Hardik, they get strong but not invincible. However, if KKR get Hardik, they suddenly look very strong. KKR will become a lethal batting lineup with Hardik. These are teams with five, five and three titles, so MI have to think about how they can ensure one of these teams doesn’t leapfrog them,” he added.The discussion comes at a time when both franchises linked with Pandya are entering transition phases. Chennai Super Kings recently confirmed the departure of long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming after an 18-year stint, while Kolkata Knight Riders are preparing for life after Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement.Pandya’s own campaign in IPL 2026 did little to ease scrutiny over his performances. The all-rounder scored 206 runs and claimed four wickets in 10 matches as Mumbai endured one of their poorest seasons in recent years.The 32-year-old has not played competitive cricket since the conclusion of IPL 2026, further fuelling speculation over both his immediate playing future and whether he will continue with Mumbai Indians next season.
