Krishnamachari Srikkanth has put forward a bold proposal for Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction scheduled for December: pursue a trade for Hardik Pandya from Mumbai Indians, and if necessary, release Shivam Dube without seeking any return to make room for the deal.

The former India chief selector and 1983 World Cup winner argued that Pandya's all-round capabilities would seal CSK's all-rounder slot and add a proven match-winner to their setup. Srikkanth was direct about Dube's position, saying he would release the left-hander for free and put him back into the auction pool if that is what it took to bring Pandya to Chennai.

"It'll be good for both Hardik and MI. Under him, they struggled with team formation and performance. Hardik Pandya will be a great inclusion for CSK because the all-rounder slot will be sealed," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

Both franchises enter the mini-auction in need of a reset. CSK, who lifted their fifth IPL title in 2023, have not returned to the playoffs since that triumph and endured a difficult IPL 2026 campaign under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, finishing outside the top half of the standings.

"Shivam Dube, I would even give for free if I were CSK. I don't even need a trade to give Dube up. If I were CSK, I would definitely put him back in the auction and get him again if needed," Srikkanth added.

Mumbai Indians had an even sharper decline, dropping to ninth place in IPL 2026 after finishing fourth in 2025. It is important to note that no official trade discussions between CSK and MI have been confirmed by either franchise, and Srikkanth's proposal represents his personal opinion only.

Srikkanth's case centres on Pandya's value as a genuine all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball at the highest level. He argued that acquiring Pandya would address a clear gap in CSK's squad composition and give the side a dependable option in the middle order and with the ball.

What did Srikkanth suggest for Mumbai Indians' coaching setup?

Alongside his trade proposal, Srikkanth also shared his thoughts on who should guide Mumbai Indians going forward. He named Chandrakant Pandit as a strong candidate for the MI head coach role, pointing to Pandit's local roots and his history as a Mumbai cricketer as qualities that make him a natural fit for the franchise.

"If I were MI, I would bring in Chandrakant Pandit as the coach. He's a local boy and has played a lot for Mumbai. So he'll be a great value addition for MI, and such a team needs a coach like Chandrakant Pandit. He's a good thinker of the game, and he'll not throw his weight around. He will do his job quietly and go," he added.

Srikkanth's coaching suggestion was made in the context of Mahela Jayawardene's current position at MI, though no official announcement regarding any change in the coaching staff has been confirmed by the franchise. Both CSK and MI are expected to make meaningful squad and management decisions before the December mini-auction, with restructuring anticipated at both camps.