CSK CEO Ends Hardik Pandya Trade Rumours With Clear Statement

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Viswanathan has categorically denied reports linking the franchise with a major change in Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya ahead of the upcoming IPL cycle. Following a disappointing eighth-place finish under Ruturaj Gaekwad, where the five-time champions finished with just six wins, Viswanathan said no official talks have started yet regarding player deals.

He explained that any decision on the team or leadership will be taken only after the team’s season review is completed. The management also plans to wait until the ongoing international commitments are completed before discussing changes in the squad.

CSK Yet to Begin Squad Review

The CSK chief said the franchise has not discussed any player trades after the IPL season ends. Reports suggest that the team is ready to part ways with experienced lower-order players to free up enough salary cap space for a big long-term deal.

Vishwanathan added that he is currently keeping an eye on the franchise’s overseas commitments, due to which it would be too early to discuss any changes in the team. He also clarified that reports claiming that a deal has already been completed are just rumours and have no official basis.

“CSK has not yet reviewed the season, and we will do so only after the MLC ends. I am currently in the US. We have not spoken to anyone, and all reports of Hardik being linked to CSK are false,” said Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Vishwanathan.

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Mumbai Indians Assessing Squad Options

Mumbai Indians have also taken a cautious approach regarding the future of their current captain after another disappointing season. The franchise has been struggling for consistency throughout the tournament, leading to much talk outside about possible changes in the team.

The franchise said that it will first review all available options before taking any decision on player retention. Franchise officials also said that the team will complete a detailed performance review before initiating any discussion on player trading.

As with any such review, various options and ideas will be evaluated before taking any decision on players, we are not currently engaged in talks on player trading, it is possible only after the review is completed, said an official spokesperson for Mumbai Indians.

Hardik Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians in a widely discussed all-cash deal after spending two successful seasons as the captain of Gujarat Titans. However, the pressure has increased on the team leadership to retain the next player and before the auction cycle.

Both the franchises have made their positions clear. Neither Chennai Super Kings nor Mumbai Indians have initiated discussions about player trades, and any decision on Hardik Pandya or any other team changes will be taken only after their respective season reviews are completed.

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