Reports suggest the Mumbai Indians are preparing to part ways with star player Hardik Pandya, with Rajasthan Royals’ young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal reportedly being their primary target in a potential trade. Following a disappointing IPL 2026 season where they finished ninth, intense speculation surrounds Pandya’s future with the franchise. According to Revsportz, the Mumbai Indians management is scheduled for a significant review meeting next week, which could determine the future of several experienced players and the coaching staff. It is also rumored that Pandya’s team is already in advanced discussions with RR.
The Mumbai Indians are reportedly seeking a long-term successor to Rohit Sharma, and Jaiswal is presented as an attractive option for this role. The same report indicates that the five-time champions might also consider releasing Suryakumar Yadav.
Regarding captaincy, the Mumbai Indians are believed to want to appoint a new leader with an eye on the future, and Tilak Varma is said to be the frontrunner. Varma was recently appointed as the vice-captain of India’s T20I squad.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan due to a fresh quadriceps injury. Pandya, who sustained a back spasm during the IPL while playing for the Mumbai Indians, was undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The new injury is understood to be a consequence of a full 10-over bowling session at the NCA during his assessment.
The ODI series against Afghanistan is set to commence on Saturday in Dharamsala, followed by matches in Lucknow and Chennai on June 17 and 20. A BCCI source stated, “With a three-week recovery period, there is absolutely no chance of him playing in this ODI series as his rehabilitation would not be complete.”.
Pandya had missed a few games for MI in the IPL but returned for the team’s final few encounters. This latest injury setback for the 32-year-old all-rounder comes at a time when he has been pushed to play more ODI matches, considering the upcoming ODI World Cup next year.
Pandya’s ankle injury during the first league match against Bangladesh in the 2023 ODI World Cup had disrupted the team’s balance. Pandya continues to be an integral part of India’s plans for the major event scheduled in South Africa in 2027.
(With contributions from PTI)
