The IPL 2027 trade window and Hardik Pandya have once again returned to the headlines. After reports claimed that Hardik Pandya’s move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had hit a roadblock, Delhi Capitals (DC) have now entered the race to trade the Indian all-rounder from Mumbai Indians (MI).
This news could surprise many because Delhi Capitals are reportedly serious about bringing Hardik into their squad after bringing back the explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after the conclusion of IPL 2026.
If the deal goes through, it could become one of the biggest player trades in IPL history. However, the talks are still at an early stage, and nothing has been finalized yet. Amid this, BCCI shares important update on Hardik Pandya’s recovery.
Delhi Capitals enter Hardik Pandya race after CSK talks hit roadblock
As reported by Times of India Tamil, Delhi Capitals (DC) are ready to part ways with their captain, Axar Patel, along with opener Prithvi Shaw, in exchange for the current Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, Hardik Pandya. The Delhi-based franchise believes that Hardik can strengthen both the batting and bowling departments and also bring valuable leadership experience to the team.
The possible trade also suits Mumbai Indians in many ways. The five-time IPL champions have been looking for a quality spin-bowling all-rounder ever since Krunal Pandya left the franchise and joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Axar Patel fits that role perfectly.
DC plan blockbuster trade involving Axar Patel and Prithvi Shaw, but MI could ask for Sameer Rizvi
Axar Patel is not only a brilliant spinner, but he is also able to contribute significantly with the bat too. And most importantly, there will not be any issue with the salary structure. Hardik is currently earning ₹16.35 crore with Mumbai Indians, while Axar Patel earns ₹16.50 crore with Delhi Capitals.
So, financially, the deal looks balanced for both MI and DC teams. But the problem is Prithvi Shaw, as the Mumbai Indians may not be interested in taking the opener because he has not played a single IPL match in the last two seasons.
Instead, the five-time IPL champions could ask the Capitals to include another young player in the deal. Sameer Rizvi is one of the names being discussed after his impressive IPL 2026 season, where he scored 252 runs in just nine matches and impressed everyone with his attacking batting.
Why Chennai Super Kings failed to complete the Hardik Pandya deal
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings were also interested in signing Hardik, but the two franchises could not agree on the final trade package. MI reportedly wanted Shivam Dube and Ayush Mhatre in return for Hardik. However, CSK were not ready to let Mhatre leave the team.
Both teams later explored another option involving Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis. But Mumbai reportedly also asked for an additional ₹10 crore along with the players, and CSK were not ready to pay the extra amount, so the deal couldn’t move forward with MI refusing to change their demands.
For now, Delhi Capitals have emerged as one of the strongest contenders to sign Hardik Pandya, because their proposed trade matches Mumbai Indians’ need for a spin-bowling all-rounder. However, the discussions are still in the early stages, and nothing is official yet.
