All attention is once again on the Hardik Pandya-Mumbai Indians association following another poor IPL season. After three years since returning to the franchise, MI has nothing to show for the move except for one playoff appearance which itself came after a below-par season. Mumbai Indians are a franchise built on making magical comebacks and winning matches from hopeless positions. But the last two years have simply not matched up. While injuries and lack of form and consistency have certainly impacted them, Hardik's captaincy has been a focal point of discussion. Even though the all-rounder is still arguably India's best white ball player and remains indispensable to the Indian setup, it just hasn't worked at MI. Speculations regarding dressing room environment, leadership style, and team balance have only intensified following a string of losses. Injuries and Rising speculation. The all-rounder has missed MI's last few games, with a back spasm the cause of him not turning out on the field, this is the third time he's struggled with such an issue in his career. The recent rumours of him not traveling with the team for the next fixture only fueled further speculation about his future at the franchise. Off the field, the MI captain continues to be the cynosure of all eyes. Late-night practice videos, coupled with heightened focus on his private life among the media and fans, have only added to the conversation around him. Once again, two years after being booed at the Wankhede Stadium, the booing seems to be growing. There is no official communication that the franchise plans a leadership switch, but it doesn't feel like a partnership where both parties are happy. Also Read | Hardik Pandya Misses MI Trip as Injury Truth Comes Out LSG, DC, KKR and SRH Could Look for Hardik Even if the Hardik and Mumbai Indians go their seperate ways after the IPL 2026, many teams could have an eye on signing him up. LSG, DC, KKR and SRH are franchises who would value his leadership and experience. DC have had troubles being consistent under Axar Patel and LSG have not lived up to there big buy of Rishabh Pant. KKR may be in search of a captain in the longer run apart from the stand-in captain of Ajinkya Rahane, while SRH might face problems with Pat Cummins due to the international fixtures in Australia. Even a Hardik for Pant swap between MI and LSG may even turn into a reality, if the teams decided to make some changes and make themselves more powerful before the IPL 2027. Fresh Environment Might Help Hardik Once Again The reason that Hardik was so successful at Gujarat Titans was due to the environment around him, they were a team that were very young in the Indian leagues and were led by the young all-rounder with the support from the coaches that were there at hand. This freedom that was given helped him become a better performer. This type of environment could also be present if the team was an LSG, DC or a KKR. This could all help him regain his confidence and lead again from the very front like he has done so at Gujarat.