“I don’t think MI will proceed without Mhatre” - R Ashwin delivers verdict on CSK’s huge trade ahead of IPL 2027

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes any trade Mumbai Indians (MI) agree to with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) must include 19-year-old Ayush Mhatre. Ashwin also listed other possibilities for CSK to land Hardik Pandya from MI if the package doesn't include Mhatre.

Without Mhatre, Ashwin's package included Nathan Ellis, who would give Mumbai a death bowler to share Bumrah’s load, and Urvil Patel, who covers the keeper-batter slot, in addition to Shivam Dube.

Talking about CSK's potential trade options to land Hardik, Ashwin said on his YouTube channel:

"MI obviously won't accept only Shivam Dube for Hardik Pandya. They will want Mhatre along with Dube. I don't think MI will proceed without Mhatre. CSK could try other options too, like offering Dube and Ellis for Hardik. Ellis will be a great replacement for Boult, and he'll be a great death-bowling partner for Bumrah. If MI don't accept that also, CSK should try with Dube, Ellis and Urvil Patel. That way, MI will get a keeper-batter too."

He added:

"CSK must remember that to get a player like Hardik, MI have to believe they are also getting stronger through the trade. So they have to offer something MI can't refuse. A multi-player deal both ways also might be a possibility. CSK could give Dube, Ellis, Urvil, and another pacer for Hardik and Deepak Chahar in return. That way, CSK will get a new-ball bowler and someone who has played for them in Chahar. This strengthens both teams."

Pandya, 32, is still one of the few Indian pace-bowling all-rounders who can bat in the middle order and bowl the hard overs without costing an overseas slot. His IPL 2026 was poor: 206 runs in 10 matches at 22.89, with a strike rate of 138.26, and four wickets at an economy of 11.42.

"Dhoni's relationship with Hardik could come into the picture" - R Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin believes MS Dhoni's relationship with Hardik Pandya could help CSK land the veteran all-rounder in a trade with MI. Mumbai finished ninth with four wins from 14 matches in IPL 2026, while CSK were eighth with six wins in 14 outings.

"CSK have to make some sort of bumper offer to beat those from the other teams. They must offer three players to get Hardik. Dhoni's relationship with Hardik could come into the picture and sway it CSK's way. I can't help but feel this relationship factor could make Hardik come to CSK. But for that, they'll have to offer two or three players," said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).

Dhoni remains an integral part of the CSK setup despite missing the entire IPL 2026 season due to injury.

Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️