Ravichandran Ashwin has dismissed speculation linking Hardik Pandya to Chennai Super Kings as a distant prospect while pointing to Rajasthan Royals as frontrunners for a potential trade. The remarks arrive as Mumbai Indians navigate coaching changes ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League retention deadline on November 15.
Ravichandran Ashwin Dismisses Chennai Super Kings Rumours
Social media chatter had intensified around a potential move that could place the star all-rounder in a Chennai Super Kings jersey ahead of the next Indian Premier League season. Rumours suggested that franchise icon MS Dhoni might personally intervene to secure the player. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin addressed the online speculation directly.
There have been conversations that Dhoni will personally convince Hardik Pandya to come to CSK. It will be a great addition for CSK. But in my opinion, it is a real far-shot.
Ravichandran Ashwin, you absolute legend! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4qCvLbunF4
Additional reporting from Cricbuzz noted that Hardik’s chances of moving to Chennai receded following the appointment of Zaheer Khan as head coach, referencing a reported rift during the latter’s stint with the Mumbai Indians management. The report suggested that a new setup at CSK could alter the equation between the two.
Last year, former skipper Sanju Samson moved to Chennai Super Kings via a trade that sent two players the other way: Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Having previously coached MI from 2017 to 2022, the 49-year-old Sri Lankan led the team to three IPL championships in his initial stint before stepping back into the post prior to the 2025 campaign.
Rajasthan Royals Emerge as Leading Contender in Trade Talk
While ruling out a straightforward path to Chennai, Ashwin pointed toward an alternative frontrunner in the trade landscape. According to the former spinner, Rajasthan Royals lead the race for the all-rounder’s services.
Photo: cricketnews.com
From what I’ve heard, RR are at the top of the list in the Hardik trade.
Ravichandran Ashwin, via NDTV
Earlier discussions involving a potential swap between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals centered on Yashasvi Jaiswal. Those talks occurred several months ago but stalled without significant progress, and the two franchises are not actively engaged in discussions at present.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius serves as another young, left-handed opening alternative currently housed at the Royals, where he has spent the past two seasons. Demonstrating strong recent form, the South African batter accumulated 465 runs during the latest MLC edition at a strike rate exceeding 176, featuring four half-centuries and a century. Placing third among run-scorers in this year’s MLC competition, the 20-year-old South African played a key role in guiding the San Francisco Unicorns to the playoffs. Jaiswal remains contractually bound to the Royals for at least one more season.
Mumbai Indians Face Coaching Changes and Roster Decisions
The trade speculation unfolds as Mumbai Indians manage a major transition in their coaching staff. The franchise announced the departure of head coach Mahela Jayawardene, who concluded his second stint following a disappointing ninth-place finish in the 2026 season. Five candidates have been shortlisted for the vacant coaching position: Michael Hussey, Aaron Finch, Eoin Morgan, Mark Boucher, and Adrian Birrell.
Photo: sports.ndtv.com
With retention lists due on November 15 and the player auction scheduled for December, franchise leadership must determine their coaching staff and roster strategy before trade discussions accelerate.
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene’s exit was confirmed by Mumbai on Saturday, alongside reports that the organization has initiated talks with multiple franchises regarding a potential Hardik transfer. The trading window stays open until a week before the December auction. Following a fourth-place finish and a loss in Qualifier 2 during 2025, the five-time champions experienced a much harsher 2026 tournament, concluding the event down in ninth position.
