Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter S Badrinath sets a solid playing combination for the multiple-time IPL champions ahead of the IPL 2027 season. Badrinath creates the playing eleven by including two pace-bowling all-rounders, Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes.
Hardik Pandya is currently a trending topic among cricket fans and experts. As he wants to leave the Mumbai Indians following a disappointing season in 2026, there are multiple franchises, including CSK, that want the seasoned campaigner on their side.
S Badrinath asks CSK to go for Hardik Pandya
S Badrinath believes that if the Chennai Super Kings management is able to convince Hardik Pandya to join them in the off-season, ahead of IPL 2027, it will be huge for the team. In three consecutive seasons, the team failed to reach the play-offs, which is rare in their track record since the inception of the league.
To drag the team out of the slump, the team management is expected to materialize some lucrative deals. If the media reports are to be believed, Chennai Super Kings are actively in the contest to sign Hardik Pandya, outplaying the other franchises who are looking to do the same.
The possible trade talks are not disclosed officially, either by the player or by any of the franchises; it remains only as speculation and possibility. The former cricketer said that smoke is not possible without fire. So, there must be some truth behind all these media reports claiming the future of Hardik Pandya.
Ben Stokes can also intensify the market
Ben Stokes, who announced his retirement from the England cricket team only a few days ago, can also be in high demand ahead of the season. He might be well past his prime, but there is no denying that the former England captain can still provide some solid performance both with bat and ball.
As per S Badrinath’s vision, it will be great for CSK if they have both Stokes and Hardik Pandya on their side.
“MI won’t give away Hardik Pandya for nothing. They’ll want at least two players in return. CSK should trade Shivam Dube for Hardik as an all-rounder swap. It’ll be a dream situation for CSK if they can land Hardik and get Ben Stokes. CSK will be in the discussions for Hardik, but they probably just don’t want to reveal it for now,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel, Cric it with Badri.
What will be the best destination for Hardik Pandya in IPL 2027?
There can be an offer from the Chennai-based franchise, but should Hardik join them? Examining the situation and the reports, S Badrinath stated that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be best for the all-rounder as the team needs a prolific all-rounder, a captain, and an experienced cricketer. Pandya perfectly fits all of these criteria.
“It looks like all teams except RCB and SRH are interested in Hardik Pandya. There’s no smoke without fire. So these reports suggest that the Mumbai Indians are ready to trade him. Being a high-quality all-rounder, the ideal team for Hardik Pandya will be KKR. They need an all-rounder, a captain, and a senior player, making him the ideal fit there,” he opined.
S Badrinath’s dream CSK playing combination for IPL 2027:
Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Ben Stokes, Hardik Pandya, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed