Hardik Pandya should give up IPL captaincy and focus on cricket: Rayudu

Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu believes Hardik Pandya should step down as captain and focus on enjoying his cricket, whether he continues with Mumbai Indians or moves to another franchise ahead of IPL 2027. With trade talks involving Mumbai and Punjab Kings gathering momentum, Rayudu feels his mental pressure is better than taking up the all-round game. knowledge.

Bombay Indians and Punjabi kings are considered to be involved in advanced discussions over a potential trade between Hardik and Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. While the deal is yet to be finalised, Punjab have emerged as the top contenders to sign the all-rounder. Shreyas Iyer is expected to continue as the captain of PBKS Hardik would join the franchise as a player rather than taking a leadership role.

Rayudu believes this is exactly the set-up Hardik needs at this stage of his career. He suggested the 32-year-old should ease into his new surroundings, understand the franchise’s culture and avoid taking on too much responsibility right away.

“If I’m in Hardik’s shoes, I’d like to go to a team where I can enjoy cricket, a place where I’m in a good mental space and don’t put too much on my plate right away. Ease into the franchise, learn the culture of the franchise and then get into the management circle and eventually take the reins if he wants. Rayudurick said it’s good.”

Rayudu also believes that Hardik should not captain Mumbai Indians if he stays with the five-time champions. The all-rounder returned to MI from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024 and was immediately named captain replacing Rohit Sharma. However, his three-season tenure in charge was a difficult one, with Mumbai failing to make the play-offs in two of those campaigns.

“I think in Mumbai he felt he was cornered. Once you feel cornered, you always look over your shoulders. Once that happens in the dressing room, you tend to come out in a way that you don’t want to,” said Rayudu.

“Many things have gone wrong with Hardik. I don’t know if it’s Hardik’s fault or someone else’s fault. From now on, if he wants to stay in MI, I don’t think he should be the captain. He should just play as a player, enjoy his game and try to win matches for MI.”

Rayudu was equally clear about Hardik’s role if he moves to another franchise.

“But if he leaves, definitely not the captain. At least for one season. I just don’t want him to be the captain,” he added.

RAYUDU QUESTIONS I AM WILLING TO FIRE HARDIK

Despite supporting Hardik’s role change, Rayudu acknowledged that Mumbai Indians may be reluctant to part with a player of his caliber. The franchise had previously let him go to Gujarat Titans where he led the side to the 2022 IPL title before returning to Mumbai.

“I’m not sure MI would want to let a talent like that go. Even at the last minute, they have to think really, really hard and say, ‘If we let him go, can we get someone of that quality again?’ They have already done this once in the past. He went to GT, won the title and then came back to MI,” said Rayudu.

Rayudu also identified Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting as someone who could help Hardik rediscover his comfort and confidence in the new environment.

“He’s actually played a lot of cricket under Ricky Ponting. Ponting loves him. That’s one franchise he’d like to go to, get his mental space right under Ponting,” he said.

Hardik’s second stint with Mumbai Indians was a mixed bag, both as a batsman and captain. Since returning to the franchise in 2024, he has scored 646 runs in 39 matches at an average of around 22.3 while striking at 148.8. He also picked up 29 wickets, including a career-best 5/36 in IPL 2025. His 2026 campaign was marred by back spasms that forced him to miss three matches.

Injury problems continued after the season, with a quadriceps strain during rehab followed by a lower leg injury. Hardik has not played competitive cricket since his last IPL appearance on May 24 and remains at the BCCI Center of Excellence working towards a comeback. India captain Shubman Gill recently confirmed that he will have to play domestic cricket before being considered for an international comeback.

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