Mumbai Indians ignore Hardik Pandya in Diwali greetings post, add weight to trade rumours

Mumbai Indians posted a Happy Diwali greeting on Sunday, November 8, featuring players from both their IPL and WPL squads. The post, shared on the franchise's official social media account, notably left out Hardik Pandya, the team's star all-rounder and current captain, sparking immediate discussion among fans and observers.

The omission drew attention because it arrived at a sensitive moment in the IPL transfer window. Reports had already been circulating about Pandya's possible departure from the five-time champions ahead of IPL 2027, and the franchise's choice to exclude him from a high-visibility festive post added further weight to those rumours.

Punjab Kings swap talks and the BCCI approval wait

Multiple reports of late indicated that Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings had agreed in principle to a player swap involving Pandya and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. A separate report from Sportstar, published on November 3, stated that Punjab Kings, the Ricky Ponting-coached franchise, had advanced considerably in negotiations with MI, with Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod likely to move in the opposite direction.

As of writing, the deal was awaiting formal approval from the BCCI and no official confirmation had been issued by either franchise.

The PBKS link was not the only one doing the rounds. Earlier reports suggested that Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals had also shown interest in acquiring Pandya. MI reportedly approached Kolkata Knight Riders about a deal involving Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh in exchange for Pandya, but KKR were cited to have turned down that offer.

The situation was further complicated on November 5, 2026, when Pandya shared a Diwali post on his personal social media account wearing a yellow shirt, which prompted speculation about a possible move to CSK.

Pandya's recent history with Mumbai Indians

The backdrop to all of this is a difficult stretch for both Pandya and the franchise. MI paid him Rs 16.35 crore in IPL 2026, during which he bowled 22.4 overs across the season. The team finished ninth in the IPL 2026 standings, recording four wins from 14 matches and becoming the second side to be eliminated.

The signs of a strained relationship between Pandya and the franchise had surfaced earlier. After MI's loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru during IPL 2026, the cricketer reportedly unfollowed the official Instagram handle of Mumbai Indians. Fans also noticed that he had archived posts and collaborations linked to the franchise from his own account around that time.

All ten IPL franchises must submit their lists of players to retain or release by November 17. That deadline is now a week away, meaning any formal decision on the Choryasi-born's future at MI is expected before that date. One report also noted that even if Pandya were to remain at MI, the franchise could consider removing him from the captaincy for IPL 2027.

Pandya was originally part of MI from 2015 to 2021 before departing. He was traded back from Gujarat Titans and appointed captain ahead of IPL 2024, a season in which MI finished last in the league stage with four wins from 14 games. The team improved to fourth in IPL 2025 and reached the Eliminator before their campaign during the subsequent season ended in ninth place.