Hardik Pandya should give up IPL captaincy, focus on enjoying cricket: Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu has urged Hardik Pandya to relinquish IPL captaincy and prioritise enjoying his cricket amid Mumbai Indians-Punjab Kings trade discussions. He believes a season without leadership duties could restore his comfort, confidence and focus.

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Hardik Pandya should step away from captaincy and focus on enjoying his cricket, irrespective of whether he continues with Mumbai Indians or moves to another franchise ahead of IPL 2027. With trade talks involving Mumbai and Punjab Kings gathering momentum, Rayudu feels the all-rounder needs to prioritise his game and get his mental space right rather than take on the pressures of leadership.

Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings are understood to be in advanced discussions over a potential trade involving Hardik and India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. While the deal is yet to be finalised, Punjab have emerged as a leading contender to sign the all-rounder. Shreyas Iyer is expected to continue as PBKS captain, meaning Hardik would join the franchise as a player rather than take up a leadership role.

Rayudu believes that is precisely the kind of arrangement Hardik needs at this stage of his career. He suggested that the 32-year-old should ease into a new environment, understand the franchise culture and avoid taking on too much responsibility immediately.

"If I am in Hardik's shoes, I would want to go to a team where I would enjoy my cricket, in a place where I would be in a good mental space, and not put too much on my plate right away. Ease into the franchise, learn the culture of the franchise and then get onto the leadership circle, and eventually take up the mantle if he wants it. Right now, I think he needs to go out there and play good cricket," Rayudu said.

Rayudu also believes Hardik should not captain Mumbai Indians if he remains with the five-time champions. The all-rounder returned to MI from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024 and was immediately appointed captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. However, his three-season stint in charge has been difficult, with Mumbai failing to make the playoffs in two of those campaigns.

"I think in Mumbai, he felt he was cornered. Once you feel you are cornered, you are always looking over your shoulders. Once that happens in the dressing room, you would tend to come out in ways you wouldn't want to," Rayudu said.

"A lot of things didn't go well for Hardik. I don't know if it's Hardik's fault or someone else's fault. From now on, if he wants to stay in MI, I don't think he should be the captain. He should just play as a player, enjoy his game and try and win matches for MI."

Rayudu was equally clear about Hardik's role if he moves to another franchise.

"But if he goes out, definitely not the captain. At least, for one season. I just don't want him to be captain," he added.

RAYUDU QUESTIONS MI'S WILLINGNESS TO RELEASE HARDIK

Despite backing a change in Hardik's role, Rayudu acknowledged that Mumbai Indians might be reluctant to part ways with a player of his quality. The franchise had previously let him leave for Gujarat Titans, where he led the side to the IPL title in 2022 before returning to Mumbai.

"I am not sure if MI would want to let go of a talent like that. Even at the last minute, they must be thinking really, really hard, saying, 'If we let go of him, can we get someone of that quality again?' They have already done that once in the past. He went to GT, won a title and then came back to MI," Rayudu said.

Rayudu also identified Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting as someone who could help Hardik rediscover his comfort and confidence in a new environment.

"He has actually played a lot of cricket under Ricky Ponting. Ponting loves him. That's one franchise that he would love to go to, get his mental space right under Ponting," he said.

Hardik's second stint with Mumbai Indians has been a mixed one, both as a batter and captain. Since returning to the franchise in 2024, he has scored 646 runs in 39 matches, averaging around 22.3, while striking at 148.8. He has also picked up 29 wickets, including a career-best 5/36 in IPL 2025. His 2026 campaign was disrupted by back spasms, which forced him to miss three matches.

The injury troubles continued after the season, with a quadriceps strain during rehabilitation followed by a shin injury. Hardik has not played competitive cricket since his final IPL appearance on May 24 and remains at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, working towards a return. India captain Shubman Gill recently confirmed that he would need to play domestic cricket before being considered for an international comeback.