Hardik Pandya Trade: R Ashwin Warns CSK That MI Will Want 1 Specific Star: "Won't Proceed Without Him"

Hardik Pandya is expected to move away from Mumbai Indians (MI) on a trade deal ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, and a number of franchises are reportedly keen. Kolkata Knight Riders (CSK), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are among the teams who've been linked with a trade move for Hardik. Legendary India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who won two IPL titles with CSK, stated that Mumbai Indians will want one player in particular in order to do a deal with their fellow five-time champions.

Ashwin said that CSK will likely offer Shivam Dube in a possible trade for Hardik, but suggested that MI won't be happy with just Dube.

"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," Ashwin stated, speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda.

Ashwin then hinted that CSK could try and include the likes of pacer Nathan Ellis or top-order powerhitter Urvil Patel along with Dube, in the potential trade for Hardik.

"CSK could try other options too, like offering Dube and Ellis for Hardik. Ellis will be a great replacement for Trent Boult, and he'll be a great death-bowling partner for Jasprit 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.

"CSK must remember that to get a player like Hardik, MI have to believe they are also getting stronger through the trade. So they have to offer something MI can't refuse," he added.

Ashwin even suggested that both teams could trade multiple players in order to make the deal work.

"A multi-player deal both ways also might be a possibility. CSK could give Dube, Ellis, Urvil, and another pacer for Hardik and Deepak Chahar in return. That way, CSK will get a new-ball bowler and someone who has played for them in Chahar. This strengthens both teams," he said.

The last date for teams to finalize their retentions for IPL 2027 is November 15. The IPL 2027 mini-auction is set to take place on December 16.

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