Hardik Pandya will leave MI after IPL 2026: Ex-India captain makes bold prediction
Kris Srikkanth has claimed Hardik Pandya will leave Mumbai Indians after IPL 2026. MI have struggled under Hardik's captaincy and suffered an early exit from IPL 2026.
Former India captain and selector Kris Srikkanth has claimed that Hardik Pandya will leave Mumbai Indians after the end of the IPL 2026 campaign. Hardik came back for his second stint with MI ahead of the IPL 2024 campaign from Gujarat Titans and the all-rounder was supposed to usher in a new era at the franchise.
However, Hardik's tenure has been anything but smooth as MI suffered early exits in 2024 and in the ongoing campaign, with a playoff run last year sandwiched between them. There have been murmurs on social media suggesting Hardik could leave the franchise once again, and the all-rounder added fuel to the fire by unfollowing MI on Instagram right after their loss to RCB.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said that there is no update on Hardik's future and it does seem like MI has told the all-rounder that his services aren't needed anymore.
“Looks like there’s no news, no official update from anyone. It feels like they’ve basically said, ‘You’re not needed anymore, you can leave.’ In fact, you heard Hardik’s comments too. Either they will release him, or they’ll just say, ‘Thanks bro, thanks for everything,’ and move on.
"Then the question becomes — where will he go next year? Will he be traded or go into the auction?" said Srikkanth.
HARDIK LEAVING MI BEST FOR BOTH PARTIES
Srikkanth also said that it is best if Hardik leaves Mumbai and goes somewhere else.
"The best thing for both parties is to say 'boss, you go your way, I will go my way. We will meet somewhere down the line," said Srikkanth.
Hardik hasn't played in the last two matches for MI due to back spasms. The Mumbai captain was seen practising alone in the nets ahead of the PBKS vs MI clash, but he didn't travel to Dharamsala for the contest.
Mumbai remained coy on Hardik's participation for the PBKS match, saying that a call could be made only closer to the toss.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score