India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all but confirmed to leave the Mumbai Indians after so many things didn’t work out, and he is currently searching for his new home in the IPL. There have been reports that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are interested in Hardik Pandya.
After poor performances since the 2024 title triumph, KKR are in dire need of a strong captain, and Pandya could be the best option. He has already proven himself as a captain in the IPL and remains one of the biggest match-winners in the shorter format of the game.
KKR eye Hardik Pandya as their next captain
So, the Kolkata Knight Riders could try to bring the Indian all-rounder to Kolkata and even hand him the captaincy role ahead of the 2027 season. But this plan will not be that easy, and the reason is Abhishek Nayar.
Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Nayar have shared a good working relationship over the years. Nayar has many times backed Pandya during difficult phases when he was India’s assistant coach. But when it comes to leading the Kolkata Knight Riders, Hardik will not be keen to join hands with Nayar.
Nayar has been a powerful figure inside the KKR setup for a long time and enjoys significant influence in decisions. On the other hand, Pandya would love to prefer a leadership role where he has complete control over the cricketing calls and feels safe and secure.
Hardik Pandya's KKR move unlikely if Abhishek Nayar remains in the power
A Jagran News journalist, Abhishek Tripathi, claimed that if Abhishek Nayar remains the head coach of the KKR, there is a 99% chance that Hardik Pandya will not join the franchise because the all-rounder seeks freedom to take his own decisions and lead the team his own way.
So, Pandya is likely to turn down the KKR offer if he feels he won't have complete freedom as captain. There is also another factor that Nayar shares a very close bond with Rohit Sharma, and everyone knows how much drama surrounded Mumbai Indians when Pandya took over the captaincy from him. Amid this, R Ashwin raised concern over Hardik Pandya's fitness.
Rajasthan Royals could be Hardik Pandya's new home
At the same time, Rajasthan Royals are also searching for a long-term captain. That could make them a serious option if Pandya decides to explore opportunities outside Mumbai Indians. He wants to join a team where he feels fully backed and can build the side according to his own vision, and Rajasthan Royals can be that home for the star all-rounder in the IPL.
So, unless Pandya is convinced that he will get complete authority over cricketing decisions, his move to Kolkata Knight Riders remains unlikely. In that case, Rajasthan Royals may end up becoming the frontrunner in the race for one of the IPL's biggest names.
Notably, Pandya is currently out of action ad working on his game and fitness at the NCA in Bengaluru as he is aiming to be fully ready for the ICC World Cup 2027. He already missed the Afghanistan series and is all set to miss the upcoming white-ball games in Ireland and England too.
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