Mumbai Indians (MI) are likely to trade or release Hardik Pandya before the IPL 2027 mini-auction. MI have already announced their new coaching staff and they could soon end their silence on Pandya’s future.
As the fans wait for an update on Pandya, R Ashwin has named two players MI could ask from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) if they trade him to the Yellow Army. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that MI would also want Ayush Mhatre if CSK only offer Shivam Dube.
Dube is a like-for-like replacement for Pandya and he has also bowled with the new ball for Team India. But Dube hasn’t bowled much in the IPL since the introduction of the Impact Player rule.
“MI obviously won’t accept only Shivam Dube for Hardik Pandya. They will want Mhatre along with Dube. I don’t think MI will proceed without Mhatre. CSK could try other options too, like offering Dube and Ellis for Hardik. Ellis will be a great replacement for Boult, and he’ll be a great death-bowling partner for Bumrah. If MI don’t accept that also, CSK should try with Dube, Ellis and Urvil Patel. That way, MI will get a keeper-batter too,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Pandya has stayed silent on his IPL future and it remains to be seen if he stays with MI or moves to a new franchise. He kicked off his IPL career with MI and played for them till 2021.
Gujarat Titans (GT) signed Pandya before the IPL 2022 mega-auction. After a two-year successful stint with GT, Pandya returned to MI as captain.
MI’s new coaches
Robin Uthappa, Mitchell McClenaghan and T Dilip have joined MI’s revamped coaching staff. They will work under head coach Kieron Pollard. Pollard, who joined MI as their batting coach following his retirement, has been promoted. He has replaced Mahela Jayawardene, who joined MI in 2017.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes a report by R Ashwin. While Times Now has verified the public data presented, the interpretations of ‘intent’ remain those of the creator.