R Ashwin has firmly ruled out the possibility of Hardik Pandya joining the Chennai Super Kings, identifying the Rajasthan Royals as the most likely destination for the all-rounder. Speaking on the evolving dynamics of the IPL 2027 trade window, the former India spinner stated that a trade moving Pandya from the Mumbai Indians to CSK is a “far-shot” scenario. Ashwin’s assessment shifts the narrative away from the defending champions’ potential interest, placing the Royals at the top of the list for acquiring the high-value asset.
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The speculation stems from Hardik Pandya’s recent performance trajectory and the Mumbai Indians’ struggles in IPL 2026. The five-time champions finished ninth, winning only four of their 14 league matches, prompting significant scrutiny on their squad composition. Pandya, who returned to Mumbai in an all-cash trade from the Gujarat Titans in November 2023, replaced Rohit Sharma as captain. Despite being retained for a hefty Rs 16.35 crore, his impact was limited, with 206 runs at a strike rate of 138.25 and four wickets in 10 matches.
With retention lists due on November 15 and the IPL auction scheduled for December, franchises are actively assessing their options. The market has seen multiple enquires regarding Pandya’s availability, reflecting his status as one of the league’s premier all-rounders. As teams finalize their strategies, Ashwin’s comments provide a crucial data point for analysts and fans alike, suggesting that the Rajasthan Royals are the frontrunners to secure the all-rounder’s services in the upcoming window.
Source: Yahoo Sports
