Captain Cool of yore, MS Dhoni may not have played a single IPL game for the Chennai Super Kings in 2026, but he could still have had the final say as the season drew to a close. Sources indicate that Dhoni recommended Hardik Pandya to the franchise and presented him as an option for a leadership role, underlining the former CSK skipper’s continued influence behind the scenes.
When CricBlogger reached out to the CSK management, CEO Kashi Viswanathan was unavailable for comment. However, a source familiar with the developments said, “Dhoni and Hardik share a very close bond. If Dhoni is not returning to CSK, he suggested Hardik’s name as a possible successor. Both are exceptional all-rounders and natural leaders, and Hardik’s presence would only strengthen CSK.”
Hardik, who led the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title, returned to his original franchise, Mumbai Indians, but has struggled to find stability within the setup in last three seasons. Internal friction, first with former MI captain Rohit Sharma and later with Suryakumar Yadav, has only added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
There is also a growing belief within cricket circles that Hardik and Rohit can no longer coexist in the same Mumbai dressing room. If that assessment proves accurate, a trade may become inevitable. In that scenario, a move to CSK could emerge as the ideal destination for the all-rounder, offering both a fresh start.
With whom CSK will negotiate a trade to acquire Hardik remains a major question. The kind of salary Pandya commands would likely require CSK to release more than one player from their current squad to create the necessary financial room.
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Maheika is also good cricketer ! Trade only happen if We both involve in , nd goes to One team 👀
Accha lawde
Not Hardik ! But trade happens with KKR for Rahul Tripathi
I’ll drop my retirement and come to play for CSK.
I need to continue my service and bring back the holy trinity (me,rahul Tripathi,hooda)
things should be reported carefully..till it comes officially
Why won’t we trade Sanju + Ayush and get some NZ players
can we get a player by trading a coach
I won’t retire and be traded
wrong reporting.
Please bring hardik somehow give Dube + a bowler don’t touch ayush he’s our future prodigy,sack Fleming and management ,it’s totally outdated ,if you really value fans emotions were literally depressed please adapt to modern cricket or our legacy will fade away slowly please take some hard calls and value fans 🙏
Sybau unc just get our boy hardik in csk
Trade dube with bowler for hardik but not ayush please (ayush is our future)
Bring ashwin bowling coach, Raina fielding nd batting coach Abhinav Mukund nd new head coach
{ Don’t trade ayush 🙏 }
you know the truth, but you won’t say it. anyway..