Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan has ruled out speculation surrounding a possible trade with Mumbai Indians for all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League auction. The five-time champions had been linked with a move for the star cricketer, who is reportedly expected to change franchises during the off-season.
As per a recent report by The Times of India, CSK are among seven franchises believed to be interested in signing Hardik after the 2026 IPL season. Earlier reports had also suggested that players like Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre could be involved in a potential deal, although no concrete progress or formal discussions have taken place so far.
Vishwanathan firmly rejected the ongoing rumors regarding CSK’s interest in Hardik, adding that the franchise is currently focused on reviewing its recent season.
“CSK has not even done the review of the season yet and we will only do so after the MLC is complete. I am currently in the US. We have not spoken to anyone and all that is being said about Hardik and CSK is untrue,” Kasi Vishwanathan told RevSportz.
Chennai Super Kings have a lot to review in the off-season after missing the playoffs for the third straight season under Ruturaj Gaikwad. The team finished eighth in the points table after an injury-hit campaign following a major rebuild.
KKR And RR Ahead In Race For Hardik Pandya If CSK Stay Out
Hardik Pandya has several interested franchises if Chennai Super Kings do not pursue trade talks with Mumbai Indians. Among them, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals are leading the race, with a potential captaincy role making the move more attractive.
“CSK have remained patient observers as the buzz around Pandya’s movement has grown stronger. The five-time champions are timing their entry exactly the way they did during the blockbuster trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran last season.”
“Currently, CSK are in a very strong position to sign Pandya, but late hiccups cannot be ruled out as player trades remain a tricky business in the IPL ecosystem. The role of an influential figure in the CSK set-up could hold the key to the trade’s direction,” the report said of the franchise’s potential interest in Hardik Pandya.
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