Sports

Mumbai Indians Keep Suryakumar Yadav, Trade Talks Focus on Hardik Pandya

By Vijay Tagore

Mumbai Indians have confirmed that Suryakumar Yadav will not be traded, while negotiations over Hardik Pandya’s future are moving into a decisive stage. The T20 World Cup‑winning captain, who scored 270 runs in 13 matches last season, delivered a strong performance in 2025 with 717 runs from 16 games. MI sources said, “SKY is not up for trade, and there have been no discussions, nor will there be.” The club remains open to a potential swap involving Pandya and Punjab Kings’ pacer Arshdeep Singh, but has not ruled out other options. Punjab Kings have not denied the possibility of a trade, and Rajasthan Royals have reportedly entered the conversation with players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi on the table. MI’s interest appears focused on acquiring a frontline fast bowler, as the franchise’s recent bowlers—Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar—had limited success last season. Boult took two wickets in five matches, while Chahar claimed eight wickets in eight games and 11 in 14 matches in 2025. The five‑time champions may consider releasing one of them, particularly the New Zealander. With a strong batting lineup that includes Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner, MI has ample options for the playing XI. Discussions have also taken place with Kolkata Knight Riders over Harshit Rana and a potential bat‑bowler for Pandya, but the Knights were unwilling to part with the pacer. Arshdeep, who has led India’s T20I pace attack in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, could fit MI’s current needs, and talks about a possible exchange have progressed. Pandya’s own preferences may influence the outcome; a move to Punjab would not guarantee him captaincy, whereas a switch to Rajasthan could. Punjab Kings are still considering the proposal, and the next 48 hours are expected to be crucial for a final decision.