Hardik Pandya Relocates to Bengaluru, Makes Major Career Decision Ahead of 2027 World Cup

Hardik Pandya has made a major personal decision amid ongoing IPL trade speculation, relocating from Mumbai to Bengaluru. The move comes at a time when the 32-year-old all-rounder has been ruled out of India's 2026 tour of England due to injury. However, his decision is understood to be purely career and fitness-related, with no connection to his IPL future.

According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Hardik has permanently shifted his base to Bengaluru and rented a property on the outskirts of the city, close to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE). The report states that he has become the first Indian cricketer to make the CoE his permanent training base, allowing him easier access to world-class rehabilitation and cricketing facilities throughout the remainder of his career.

Hardik Pandya Permanently Shifts Base to Bengaluru

A BCCI source explained that the frequent travel between his Lower Parel residence in Mumbai and Bengaluru for rehabilitation had become increasingly difficult. "Hardik has already permanently shifted to Bengaluru. He has rented a property on the outskirts of the city, close to the CoE. He will be the first Indian cricketer to make the CoE his permanent training base for the remainder of his career," the source told PTI. The source added, "Hardik wanted to move out of Mumbai as commuting every day from his Lower Parel residence for training had become a problem. As a centrally-contracted cricketer, he has access to every facility at the CoE, from injury management to skills training."

The report further revealed that Hardik will also work with a personal physiotherapist and a strength and conditioning coach outside the CoE to speed up his recovery whenever required. With the 2027 ODI World Cup firmly in his sights, the all-rounder is looking to minimize injury setbacks and maximize his availability for India over the coming years.

The BCCI source also highlighted Hardik's long-term commitment to white-ball cricket. "It is like shifting his base to Bengaluru as long as he plays white-ball cricket for India, and he intends to play for at least another five to six years. Even when he does skill work, such as batting against net bowlers hired by the COE, Hardik pays them from his own pocket," the source added. The decision reflects his determination to extend his career after multiple injury interruptions.

Meanwhile, Hardik's move to Bengaluru has naturally fueled IPL rumours, but the report clarified that it has no link to a potential switch to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Instead, speculation continues around a possible move to Kolkata Knight Riders, who are reportedly searching for a captain ahead of the next season. Whether it involves an all-cash deal or a player swap remains uncertain, while Mumbai Indians are also expected to weigh any future offers before making a decision on their skipper's future.