"I think Zaheer would be keen" - Former SRH batter's huge remark on Hardik Pandya's potential trade to CSK ahead of IPL 2027

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter Hanuma Vihari made a bold remark on star all-rounder Hardik Pandya's potential trade. Hardik has been heavily linked to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with multiple reports suggesting that he could join them for the IPL 2027 season.

Given how CSK have revamped their setup with multiple changes to the coaching staff, including Zaheer Khan as the head coach, Mohit Sharma as the bowling coach, Albie Morkel and Gareth Batty as assistant coaches, Hanuma Vihari reckoned that Hardik Pandya could also be seen in CSK colors. He added that Zaheer Khan would also be eager to have the star all-rounder in their team. Notably, Zaheer has previously worked with Hardik during his stint with Mumbai Indians (MI) in coaching and administration.

"CSK have completely changed their coaching staff. They are making changes. The interesting thing is about the trade now. There have been reports that say Hardik Pandya to CSK is certain, also looking at the equation with MS Dhoni. Unless things go really bad, I feel he will come to CSK. It will be good for them if it happens. I think Zaheer would be keen to bring Hardik," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Having made his debut in 2015, Hardik Pandya has played 162 matches in the IPL so far. He has scored 2955 runs at an average of 27.87 and a strike rate of 146.28. With the ball, he has taken 82 wickets at an average of 33.54 and an economy rate of 9.35.

Former India all-rounder names teams where Hardik Pandya can be traded for IPL 2027

Meanwhile, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin named a few teams where Hardik Pandya could be traded to, apart from CSK. Hardik is currently the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) but is highly likely to be released or traded off by the franchise.

"KKR have great potential because Hardik can also become the captain there. They could offer Varun Chakaravarthy for him. But as long as Abhishek Nayar is there, I don't think Varun will move from KKR. Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh could be other options. With RR, it could be Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sam Curran, or Brijesh Sharma or Tushar Deshpande. It could also be Jaiswal with Yash Raj or Bishnoi," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Hardik has not had a great time as MI captain. He took over in 2024, and in three seasons, they have made the playoffs just once. In fact, they finished last in 2024 and ninth in 2026.

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