Hardik Pandya ready to play for MI under Rohit Sharma if trade deal falls through

Hardik Pandya is reportedly willing to continue at Mumbai Indians and play under Rohit Sharma's captaincy if a proposed trade move falls through. The development could set up an interesting reunion ahead of IPL 2027.Rohit Sharma is reportedly likely to return as MI captain replacing Hardik Pandya. (PTI Photo)New Delhi,Oct 30, 2026 16:24 ISTHardik Pandya appears willing to put the uncertainty surrounding his Mumbai Indians future aside, even if it means returning to the franchise under Rohit Sharma's captaincy. With trade discussions still unresolved ahead of IPL 2027, the all-rounder is reportedly prepared to continue at MI rather than insist on a move elsewhere.According to a report by The Indian Express, Hardik has no reservations about playing under Rohit if a proposed trade deal fails to materialise. The possibility marks an interesting turn in their relationship at the franchise, considering Hardik replaced Rohit as captain ahead of IPL 2024.HARDIK OPEN TO ROHIT'S RETURNHardik's appointment as captain in 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Mumbai Indians. However, the change in leadership came under considerable scrutiny, particularly after the team endured a difficult campaign.MI won just four of their 14 matches under Hardik that season and finished ninth in the standings. Their title drought stretched to six years, adding to the pressure surrounding the captaincy decision. Interestingly, the franchise had considered bringing Rohit back as captain even before the end of the previous season, The Indian Express reported. Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah were among the established players who could have been considered for the role, while Tilak Varma was also seen as a possible option for the future.ROHIT AGREES TO TAKE CHARGEMumbai eventually went back to the man who had led them to five IPL titles. Rohit, however, had initially suggested Tilak as a potential successor before the franchise approached him to take over the captaincy again. A source told The Indian Express that Rohit agreed after a series of discussions with the franchise. His inputs were also sought during MI's coaching appointments, suggesting he remained involved in the team's planning even before the captaincy decision.Rohit shares the record for most IPL titles as captain with Chennai Super Kings' MS Dhoni, with both having won the trophy five times. If the proposed trade involving Hardik falls through, the two could find themselves working together again, albeit in very different roles from their last stint at MI.POLLARD HEADS REVAMPED COACHING STAFFThe captaincy situation isn't the only change taking shape at Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise has also made significant changes to its coaching setup, with Kieron Pollard taking over as head coach from Mahela Jayawardene.MI announced the rest of its support staff on Friday, bringing back three former players in new coaching roles. Robin Uthappa has been appointed batting coach, while former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan will replace Lasith Malinga as bowling coach.Former India fielding coach T Dilip has been named fielding coach, with Dhawal Kulkarni taking charge as development bowling coach.With Pollard leading the coaching group and Rohit potentially returning to the captaincy, Mumbai could look considerably different when they begin their IPL 2027 campaign. Hardik, meanwhile, appears willing to be part of that setup even without the captain's armband.- Ends