Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Hardik Pandya's difficult period as Mumbai Indians captain may have affected his position in the dressing room. With reports of a possible move to Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2027, Rayudu has shared his assessment of what the all-rounder should do next and why stepping away from captaincy could benefit his cricket.

Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain before IPL 2024, but the decision attracted considerable criticism from fans. The franchise also struggled to deliver consistent results during his leadership. Amid growing speculation about a potential trade, Rayudu suggested that Hardik may have felt isolated during his time at Mumbai and would be better off focusing on his performances rather than leading the side.

If he wants to stay at MI, I don't think he should be the captain - Ambati Rayudu on Hardik Pandya

Rayudu believes the criticism surrounding Hardik's appointment as captain could have affected his experience at Mumbai Indians. Speaking during a discussion on Cricbuzz, the former Chennai Super Kings batter suggested that feeling cornered can influence a player's behaviour within a dressing room.

"In Mumbai, I just thought that Hardik felt as if he was cornered. And once you feel you're cornered, you're always looking over your shoulder. Once that happens in a dressing room, you tend to come out in ways that you wouldn't want to. A lot of things didn't go well for Hardik. It might be Hardik's fault as well as something else," Ambati Rayudu said.

He also advised Hardik to give up the captaincy if he continues with Mumbai. According to Ambati Rayudu, the all-rounder should concentrate on being a match-winner instead of carrying the additional responsibility of leadership.

"From now on, if he wants to stay at MI, I don't think he should be the captain. He should just play his game, enjoy his time, and be a match-winner for MI. But if he goes out, definitely not a captain again, at least for one season," he added.

Ambati Rayudu reveals where Hardik Pandya could be traded

Rayudu also discussed the possible destinations for Hardik if Mumbai decide to trade him before the next season. He identified Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings as two franchises where the all-rounder could find a suitable environment. However, he again stressed that Hardik should not take up the captaincy immediately.

"I think either Punjab or CSK, because these are the two teams he could go to, but he shouldn't be captain. He'll find a very good space there in terms of his cricket. But with KKR, there's so much on the plate that he needs to assess and take things forward because they need a captain. It's not an easy team to captain right now," Ambati Rayudu said.

Hardik Pandya likely to join Punjab Kings for IPL 2027

A Sportstar report suggested that Punjab Kings were closing in on a deal to acquire Hardik from Mumbai Indians. The proposed exchange could see India pacer Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod move in the opposite direction.

The report stated that senior management from both franchises had made considerable progress in negotiations, with the proposed deal close to agreement. Documentation was expected to be processed by IPL officials, and an announcement was anticipated before the November 17 retention deadline.

Mumbai had also explored a possible Hardik Pandya trade with Kolkata Knight Riders, with discussions reportedly reaching an advanced stage. However, Punjab emerged as the leading destination in the reported negotiations. A separate possibility involving PBKS and Lucknow Super Giants could also see Marcus Stoinis and Mohsin Khan considered for a swap. The proposed Hardik deal has not been officially confirmed by either franchise.