In the wake of a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign for both Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, social media has sparked fresh controversy in the cricket world.
Star all‑rounder Hardik Pandya and emerging batter Tilak Varma have each unfollowed one another on Instagram, and Rishabh Pant has likewise stopped following Lucknow Super Giants.
The recent unfollows follow Mumbai Indians’ second‑last finish in the league under Hardik’s captaincy and Lucknow Super Giants’ bottom‑placed finish for a second straight season. Supporters are now speculating that underlying tensions in the Mumbai Indians camp, highlighted by several high‑profile unfollows, may catalyze a significant roster overhaul before the IPL 2027 mega auction.
Hardik Pandya has also stopped following not only Tilak Varma but also Mumbai Indians’ prospective captain Suryakumar Yadav and senior figure Rohit Sharma. In a reciprocal gesture, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav have likewise unfollowed Pandya. This mutual disengagement follows Mumbai Indians’ early exit from the playoffs and comes after Pandya temporarily ceased following the franchise’s official account before reinstating it.
The timing is especially significant. Pandya, who struggled with back spasms that sidelined him during key matches, faced mounting criticism for Mumbai Indians’ underwhelming performance.
Conversely, Rishabh Pant stepped down as Lucknow Super Giants captain just last week after the team finished tenth with a dismal record. Having been acquired for a record ₹27 crore in the 2025 auction, Pant endured pressure following successive league‑stage exits. The franchise officially confirmed that it had accepted his request to relinquish captaincy effective immediately.
Potential Hardik‑Pant Trade Deal on the Horizon?
Mumbai Indians are actively scouting for an elite Indian wicket‑keeper‑batter, a role Pant would fill perfectly. Trade speculation has intensified around a potential straight swap: Pant moving to Mumbai Indians in exchange for Hardik Pandya joining Lucknow Super Giants, where he could assume a leadership position. While other franchises such as Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings have been linked to both players, the LSG‑MI axis remains the most prominent point of discussion.
Pandya has indicated he is ready for a fresh start elsewhere, while Pant is also seeking a new challenge after the captaincy burden impacted his performances. The unfollow saga has further amplified suggestions of internal discord within Mumbai Indians, while Pant’s stint at Lucknow appears to have reached its conclusion.