Hardik Pandya turns 33 as trade speculation grows around KKR move

Hardik Pandya turned 33 on Sunday as reports surfaced that the all-rounder could leave Mumbai Indians for Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2027 retention deadline. His girlfriend Mahieka Sharma posted an emotional tribute detailing his journey from a pure batter to India's premier fast-bowling all-rounder.

Pandya has been sidelined since suffering back spasms in the latter stages of IPL 2026 and a subsequent shin injury. He missed the India A series against Australia A and will not feature in the upcoming New Zealand T20I series.

KKR face a captaincy void following Ajinkya Rahane's retirement. Reports suggest the franchise sees Pandya as a solution to both leadership and middle-order balance, though no official confirmation has emerged from either side.