Hardik Pandya reportedly set for another blockbuster trade three years after return to MI, this time with different team

Mumbai Indians reportedly are in talks for another blockbuster trade involving Hardik Pandya later this year, this time with the Rajasthan Royals. Pandya had returned to the franchise in late 2023 after captaining Gujarat Titans for two seasons, helping them win the Indian Premier League title on debut in 2022, with MI subsequently sending all-rounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Pandya, who had replaced white-ball giant Rohit Sharma as captain upon arrival, is now set to part ways with the five-time champions after a second underwhelming season in three years. MI had finished at the bottom of the table in 2024 but avoided a repeat of the wooden spoon this year, finishing above Lucknow Super Giants on the basis on Net Run Rate.

More from Firstcricket

Will Jaiswal succeed Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain? 

The star all-rounder is leaving the franchise amid reports of a fall-out within the MI dressing room, especially with some of the more senior members of the franchise. And according to a report on RevSportz, MI are keen on trading him to Rajasthan Royals and getting opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in return.

Jaiswal, who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket, was widely expected to succeed Sanju Samson as Royals captain after the wicketkeeper-batter's trade to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

The Royals management, however, picked Riyan Parag over the southpaw as the captain ahead of the 19th IPL season. Jaiswal also found himself overshadowed by 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who won the 'Orange Cap' in just his second season and smashed multiple records along the way.

A move to Mumbai Indians could thus revive Jaiswal's IPL stocks although the 24-year-old did not have bad season with the bat this year – scoring 427 runs in 16 outings at an average and strike rate of 30.50 and 152.50 respectively.

It also remains to be seen if Jaiswal is appointed captain upon his arrival like Pandya three years ago. The franchise is reportedly also keen on trading senior batter Suryakumar Yadav, who had led India to T20 World Cup glory earlier this year but has been struggling with the bat for the past one year.

Surya reportedly has attracted interest from a couple of north Indian franchises, both of which have offered him leadership.

Former skipper Rohit Sharma – who is responsible for each of MI's five IPL titles along with one of two Champions League T20 trophies – is likely to remain part of the franchise despite concerns over his fitness and batting form.

The 'Hitman', however, isn't likely to be leading the franchise next season, even if on an interim basis, meaning he will likely be mentoring Jaiswal in the role with Hardik and Surya both likely to leave.