'That was a big miss for them': Mukund wants MI to rope in Indian wicketkeeper

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Former Team India’s cricketer Abhinav Mukund feels that if Mumbai Indians (MI) successfully trade Hardik Pandya, then the franchise should look to bring in an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman.

“If he (Hardik Pandya) does go to another side, I would think it should be a win-win for all parties involved. If you are talking about Mumbai Indians, the only thing, according to me, that was missing was an Indian wicketkeeper in there. That was a big miss for them because, in their top seven, they had to play either Ryan Rickelton or Quinton de Kock,” he said on JioStar.

“I know Rickelton is in great form, but that pushes Tilak down; it does not give you the option to play both Sherfane Rutherford and Will Jacks. So, it was a bit of a confusing scenario to fit in an overseas spinner plus an overseas wicketkeeper within the quota of four overseas players. Does that solve the problem if Hardik Pandya goes out?,” added Mukund.

The former cricketer then said that he would release Quinton de Kock to free up an overseas player’s space.

“I know he was not an expensive buy, but I would release Quinton de Kock for the sole reason of just freeing up overseas cap space, in case you need someone else. So, in case there is a necessity for somebody else, and not a wicketkeeper-opening batter, then you’ll have a free spot. Then it also depends on who comes in the Hardik trade. So, based on that, if you need space for an extra overseas player, I would release him,” he said.

Earlier, Cricinfo reported that MI and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are in talks to trade Pandya in exchange for Arshdeep Singh ahead of the upcoming mini-auction.

The report added that the trade is currently in the process of being finalised, with both franchises having submitted expressions of interest to the IPL. The next step is to obtain written consent from the two players, which is expected within the next 24 hours, following which the franchises will hold final negotiations before the deal is ratified by the IPL.

Pandya and MI held several discussions since the latter part of IPL 2026, after which the all-rounder informed the franchise of his desire to be released. MI subsequently explored potential trade options with almost all franchises, except Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

(With ANI Inputs)

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