4 franchises that ought to severely take into account buying and selling for Hardik Pandya after IPL 2026 ft. Rajasthan Royals

Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya may well be on his way out of the franchise after a chaotic Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. According to reports, the all-rounder is set to lose his captaincy, and the way the campaign has transpired, a switch to a new franchise through a trade could be on the cards.

Hardik Pandya had made an ambitious switch back to MI after a highly successful stint with the Gujarat Titans (GT). However, with only one top four finish in three years, and a win percentage of just 38.46 as captain, his future with the franchise looks quite bleak.

The infamous IPL trade window, which begins after the season ends, has seen some high-profile players being involved after being criminally underused in its nascent years. With several franchises desperate for a player profile and a leadership option like Hardik Pandya, they might be tempted to offer a few players or cash in exchange for his acquisition during the off-season.

On that note, let us take a look at the three franchises that should seriously consider trading for Hardik Pandya after IPL 2026.

#1 Rajasthan Royals

After getting back on track in IPL 2026 after a dismal season in 2025, RR would want to be known as one of the firm title-contenders rather than a side involved in mid-table muddles and scraping through to the playoffs. With a firm core already taking shape in Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jofra Archer, the experience and prowess of Hardik Pandya could be the final piece in the puzzle that elevates the team.

Hardik Pandya brings a lot to the table with his ability to feature anywhere in the middle order. As things stand, RR have had to play Dasun Shanaka as their pace bowling all-rounder, who can chip in with a few overs and give depth in the batting.

Having an Indian candidate for the role, who happens to be one of the best in the world at what he does, is a massive upgrade. Pandya could prove to be a lethal finishing force with Donovan Ferreira. Given that his potential inclusion extends their Indian batting unit, RR can use the overseas slot to improve their bowling.

What gives RR an edge in terms of trade is that they have an asset that MI would highly desire, in the form of Yashasvi Jaiswal. It might be difficult for RR to part ways with a player that they groomed and has serious potential, but the reality is that he cannot afford to play second fiddle to Vaibhav Suryavanshi on a long-term basis for the sake of his own future.

MI need a long-term successor for Rohit Sharma eventually, and a modern-day T20 opener that can capitalise on the powerplay consistently. Jaiswal ticks both boxes, and this trade comes across as a win-win for both franchises, as well as both players.

#2 Lucknow Super Giants

A bottom-placed finish in IPL 2026, and a third consecutive season without the playoffs call for all the alarm bells to be rung at LSG. The franchise have had major issues in terms of captaincy and their middle-order, which is exactly where Hardik Pandya comes in.

Hardik Pandya fits perfectly into the LSG playing XI as the captain who also brings a lot of experience in the middle order. LSG made a bold move for Mohammad Shami before the auction in an all-cash deal before the auction, and it panned out reasonably well.

LSG can consider a similar audacious move. They might not have the resources to plot a like-for-like player trade with MI, but they can make the move happen with cash, especially if they release Rishabh Pant after two back-to-back flop seasons.

However, the all-cash deal need not be the sole route to get the deal over the line, MI can also demand multiple players in exchange for Hardik Pandya, candidates who could plug the holes in their team, avoiding the need to compete for players at the auction. A combination of Nicholas Pooran and Prince Yadav would fit in perfectly in the MI playing XI, and seems as a reasonable ask for a player with credentials like Hardik Pandya.

#3 Delhi Capitals

Five consecutive seasons without playoffs, each season ending with what-ifs and what could have been, and questionable captaincy, the Delhi Capitals (DC) are certainly in need of a fresh start. They can have a new identity by bringing in a superstar like Hardik Pandya, as someone who can replace Axar Patel as captain and also bring title-winning experience with him.

DC might have to make some sacrifices if they wish for the trade to be successful, as MI will make some serious demands in the form of an exchange of players. It is highly likely that one among KL Rahul and Axar Patel might be a part of the proposition since MI could use a reputed international player to cover their weak spots in the playing XI.

DC have a serious issue in terms of a link-up between their top and the middle order, and Pandya could potentially fulfill that role, like he did when he was with GT. Since DC already have an explosive finishing unit in the form of Stubbs, Miller, and Ashutosh Sharma, Pandya can play a bigger role with the bat and be the backbone of the batting from a batting order point of view.

More importantly, he can be the reliable pace bowling all-rounder that DC have lacked for years, working alongside the emerging Madhav Tiwari.

#4 Kolkata Knight Riders

Another franchise that have had back-to-back poor seasons and have a potential vacancy in their middle-order and captaincy role, KKR could be a realistic destination for Hardik Pandya, if everything aligns.

With Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy future in serious doubt, and KKR lacking a punch in the middle order and finishing after Andre Russell’s departure, Hardik Pandya fits in like a glove at KKR.

In terms of what they can offer MI for him, a solid deja vu case emerges as Cameron Green might find himself in the thick of things once again. KKR can save themselves an overseas slot, and considering they already have enough batting options, the Australian might be redundant, especially with a player with a similar profile like Pandya in the side.

MI might welcome back Cameron Green with open arms as well, considering they had to sacrifice him the first time around when the opportunity to bring back Hardik Pandya came about. MI will get their top-order boost and an extra bowling option, while KKR will get their new captain, their middle order fix, and their bowling respite. Yet another win-win scenario.