IPL 2026: With the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier Premier League (IPL), the preparations for the next season have allegedly already begun. In a viral post on X, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik was seen speaking to Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya what looked like inside a restaurant, creating plenty of buzz.
IPL 2026: Are the Royal Challengers Bengaluru targeting Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027?
In a photo shared on X, Pandya was seen speaking to Karthik that raised suspicions about whether the two-time champions are trying to rope in Pandya ahead of the 2027 edition of the cash-rich league. However, the photo either seems to be AI generated or an old one. The seam-bowling all-rounder has been amid trade discussions, with the likes of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also reportedly in discussion. Nevertheless, any official announcement or news will take time to develop as the IPL 2026 season has just ended, with the Royal Challengers crowned champions for the second consecutive time, matching CSK’s and Mumbai Indians’ feat.
It’s happening ffs. The big fish is coming to RCB. Krunal pulled off the impossible. 3 peat will be a cakewalk now 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/7EiOarxVDr
— ` (@worshipVK) June 2, 2026
IPL 2026: How did Hardik Pandya perform for the Mumbai Indians?
While the Mumbai Indians have finished 9th in the points table, Pandya’s own form with bat and ball also left a lot to be desired. In 10 games, the 32-year-old managed only 206 runs at 22.89 alongside a decent strike rate of 138.26. With the ball, he managed only four wickets at 64.75. Mumbai Indians’ four wins came against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Gujarat Titans and the Punjab Kings.
The Baroda-born cricketer had also briefly deactivated his his Instagram account as it raised suspicions about whether or not there is some rift between the franchise and the skipper. Earlier reports had indicated that Pandya was unhappy with Akash Ambani, who reportedly complained to the BCCI about having Mahieka Sharma come into the stadium since she happens to the star cricketer’s girlfriend.
Nevertheless, for now, Pandya will concentre on getting his best back for Team India as he has been named in the ODI squad to face Afghanistan this month.
