India, July 1 -- Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday firmly denied reports linking the franchise with a blockbuster trade for Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, with CEO Kasi Viswanathan dismissing the speculation as premature and baseless.

Hardik has been at the centre of intense trade speculation since the end of the IPL 2026 season, where the Mumbai Indians finished ninth in the table. This was the second time under his captaincy that Mumbai failed to make the playoffs, although they had finished third in 2025.

Earlier, a PTI report indicated that the Kolkata Knight Riders have shown great interest in acquiring the Indian all-rounder, having held multiple discussions with the Mumbai Indians management. The Rajasthan Royals also have ...