The rumored player swap involving Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya and Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has stalled, with recent report confirming that trade talks have failed to make significant headway.

According to Cricbuzz, discussions between the two franchises did take place a few months ago, but both sides are currently not engaged in active negotiations ahead of the IPL 2027 retention deadline.

The deal initially carried weight because Rajasthan had developed a strong backup left-handed opening asset in South Africa's Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who has been with the franchise for two seasons and recently showed exceptional form in the Major League Cricket (MLC), finishing third on the leading run-getter’s chart with 465 runs at a strike rate of over 176).

For now, Jaiswal remains central to RR's plans and is contractually bound to the franchise for at least one more season.

Had the talks proceeded, the Royals would have been involved in trades involving key players in successive windows. Last year, they traded former captain Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

As per the report, that trade talks and franchise-level decisions are expected to speed up because Pitru Paksha—a period traditionally considered inauspicious in Hindu culture for making major business decisions—had officially ended earlier in the week.

With that period over, franchise owners who observe these customs are now ready to resume important team negotiations and roster planning as the November 15 retention deadline approaches.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians sources have confirmed to the website that rumors regarding Rohit Sharma returning as captain have not been discussed internally. The franchise is prioritizing finalizing its coaching and support staff setup for the upcoming IPL season before addressing any leadership changes.

(With Cricbuzz Inputs)