Hardik Pandya Trade: MI-KKR Deal Depends On Stance Over 1 Star Batter: Report

MI reportedly want Angkrish Raghuvanshi from KKR, as part of a trade for Hardik Pandya© AFP

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remain in the hunt to secure a trade deal with Mumbai Indians (MI) for star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. However, Mumbai Indians' demands have proven to be a major roadblock for KKR so far. According to a report by The Telegraph, five-time IPL champions MI have demanded pacer Harshit Rana and young wicket-keeper batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi in exchange for Pandya. Meanwhile, KKR are clear on which players they definitely don't want to let go.

KKR's Stance On Hardik Pandya

Three-time IPL winners KKR are not willing to part ways with star spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, as well as finisher and vice-captain Rinku Singh, in a trade for Pandya.

Cameron Green is unlikely to be part of a trade deal as it isn't clear how much of the IPL the Australian all-rounder will play in order to manage his workload.

As per the report, the Knight Riders did not show much interest in Pandya after the initial round of talks with Mumbai Indians amid concerns over the all-rounder's fitness and injuries. There were also seemingly apprehensions over the player's entourage, which accompanies him at all venues.

Reportedly, MI have asked for Harshit Rana and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Harshit was a crucial cog in KKR's IPL 2024-winning team, while Raghuvanshi was the franchise's highest run-scorer in IPL 2026. However, it is not clear whether KKR are willing to let them go for Hardik.

Talks are reportedly set to resume in the coming week, but KKR's stance on Raghuvanshi seemingly holds the key in the deal going through.

Other Franchises In Fray

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are emerging as the other franchises in discussions for a trade move for Hardik Pandya.

MI reportedly wanted Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi from the Royals, but there was little progress in that move.

On the other hand, when it comes to a possible move with CSK, MI reportedly wanted talented batter Ayush Mhatre, but CSK firmly rejected it.

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