IPL 2026: A disappointing IPL 2026 season with the Mumbai Indians as captain has resulted in Hardik Pandya’s Instagram account disappearing. After a season that produced only four wins in 14 games and the five-time champions failing to qualify for the playoffs, it seems like the seam-bowling all-rounder has deactivated his Instagram account. Fans have speculated what the reason might be for the same, including whether or not the Mumbai Indians will release him ahead of IPL 2027.
Is there a rift between Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya?
The Baroda-born cricketer deactivating his Instagram account has 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. A few reports have also indicated that the Mumbai Indians will part ways with Pandya ahead of IPL 2027 as they failed to reach the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
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.
Here’s how the netizens have reacted to the latest development:
Hardik Pandya deletes Instagram → instantly becomes IPL transfer rumour season 😭💀
— Crickupdate (@maulikchauhan13) May 27, 2026
What is happening behind the scenes?!
Hardik Pandya has completely deleted/deactivated his Instagram account tonight.
First the franchise rumors, and now a total social media blackout. Is a massive announcement coming? 💥🏏#HARDIKPANDYA pic.twitter.com/yzf4NsOXzL
— Cricket Wisdom (@Cricketadd75277) May 27, 2026
🚨 Hardik Pandya deactivated his Instagram account:
After Hardik Pandya’s poor captaincy and performances for Mumbai Indians over the last 3 seasons, MI reportedly removed him from the captaincy and are looking to trade him to another franchise.
Currently, Hardik is outside… pic.twitter.com/nupiGGIAVc
— TEJASH 🚩 (@LoyleRohitFan) May 27, 2026
Hardik Pandya deleted his Instagram account now🤯
Earlier he unfollowed Mumbai Indians and its players also👀 pic.twitter.com/skNNTLRSeF
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) May 27, 2026
Will Hardik Pandya be traded to the Chennai Super Kings?
Meanwhile, reports have also confirmed that Pandya could be traded to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2027.
The Super Kings could use a multi-faceted player like Pandya after failing to reach the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
