Former Indian captain and selector Kris Srikkanth claimed that Hardik Pandya will leave Mumbai Indians after the IPL 2026 campaign ends. Hardik returned for his second stint with MI ahead of Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2024 campaign and the all-rounder was set to usher in a new era for the franchise.
PBKS vs MI: Preview
However, Hardik’s tenure has been anything but smooth as MI have suffered early exits in 2024 and the ongoing campaign, with last year’s play-off sandwiched between them. There were rumblings on social media suggesting that Hardik might leave the franchise again and the all-rounder added fuel to the fire by unfollowing MI on Instagram immediately after the loss to RCB.
Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel that there are no updates on Hardik’s future and it seems that MI has told the all-rounder that his services are no longer required.
“There seems to be no news, no official update from anybody. It seems like they basically said, ‘You’re no longer needed, you can leave.’ You actually heard Hardik’s comments too. Either they fire him or they just say, ‘Thanks bro, thanks for everything’ and move on.
“Then the question becomes – where will it go next year? Will it be traded or will it go to auction?” said Srikkanth.
HARDIK LEAVING ME THE BEST FOR BOTH PARTIES
Srikkanth also said that it will be best if Hardik leaves Mumbai and goes elsewhere.
“The best thing for both sides is to say ‘boss, you go your way, I’ll go mine. We’ll meet somewhere down the line,'” Srikkanth said.
Hardik has not played in the last two matches for MI due to back spasms. The Mumbai captain was seen training alone in the nets before the PBKS vs MI clash but did not travel to Dharamsala for the competition.
Mumbai remained coy about Hardik’s participation in the PBKS matchwith the call only being made closer to the throw.
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Published on:
May 14, 2026 12:31 PM IST
