India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is still at the center of attention when it comes to the IPL 2027 trade window. The Mumbai Indians skipper has been linked with an exit from the franchise, and reports suggest that there are 5-6 teams that are interested in him. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and his previous franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) are among the teams that are considered strong contenders.

Hardik Pandya's future was thrown into confusion after news broke that his proposed move to Gujarat Titans fell through due to captaincy demands. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has since spoken on the situation, claiming that it is unlikely to play a key role in where he moves.

Ravichandran Ashwin backs KKR as ideal destination for Hardik Pandya

Ashwin mentioned Kolkata Knight Riders as a good franchise to suit Hardik's needs by providing him with leadership opportunities within the squad. He also outlined some potential trading options between KKR and Mumbai Indians, including Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh.

“KKR can be a good option. He can be their Captain. They can trade Varun Chakravarthy as well but since Abhishek Nayar is present there, I don't think Varun will leave the franchise. Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh can be an option,” he told via his YouTube Channel, quoted by Sportskeeda.

He also mentioned some potential trading options with Rajasthan Royals, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sam Curran, Brijesh Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Yash Raj Punja and Ravi Bishnoi.

Gujarat Titans could also come into the mix as they offer Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan to MI in return for Hardik.

“MI need an Indian Keeper very badly, and they want to look at the bowling department as they've been terrible in the last few years. They can look at PBKS with Omarzai. I'm not hearing anything about them (GT), but they can come in and trade Rashid Khan for Hardik.”

Ashwin rules out LSG from Hardik Pandya trade race

While it has been reported that up to six teams want Hardik, he believes there will be fewer franchises wanting him. The former India spinner explained that Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings are in the running while Lucknow Super Giants are unlikely to be involved.

“I hear six teams are fighting for Hardik Pandya, but I don't think so because LSG aren't involved. It's mostly going to be CSK, KKR, RR, GT and PBKS.”

He added that the fact he might not be playing as Captain could mean he looks to play the franchise which is best for him.

“I don't think he will necessarily want to play as Captain in his new franchise. He'll just want to play the ideal franchise for him since he wants to move on from MI.” he concluded.

Hardik's future is currently uncertain, and it has not been confirmed whether there will be any trading. It will ultimately depend on talks between the franchises.