Former India coach Ravi Shastri recently shared his views on the possible trade involving Hardik Pandya from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. Several reports have suggested that the MI captain and star all-rounder could be traded to PBKS in exchange for pacer Arshdeep Singh. While there is still no official confirmation regarding the blockbuster move, the deal appears to be all but done, with both franchises reportedly having submitted their expressions of interest to the BCCI.
Hardik, who is currently sidelined due to injury, is undoubtedly one of the best all-rounders in world cricket. Speaking ahead of the third ODI between India and New Zealand, Shastri said that a move to the PBKS camp could bring out the best in Hardik.
“You know, whenever he plays, if he’s fully fit, he’s the best in the business in T20 cricket. He’s a genuine match-winner. And he might just be charged up. He hasn’t played cricket for a while, so he could be eager to come out there and show what he’s capable of,” Shastri said on Sony Sports.
As for the IPL, the last few seasons have been quite underwhelming for both MI and Hardik since he took over the captaincy in 2024. In 2026, MI managed just four wins in 14 matches and finished ninth in the points table.
Hardik is currently recovering from a leg injury. He was last seen in action during IPL 2026 in May. Since then, he has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Recently, pacer Arshdeep Singh’s father Darshan Singh, who is accompanying his son in New Zealand for the all-format series, said in a video that an intimation about the trade deal has already been received, making it official.
Speaking to Vimal Kumar in New Zealand, Arshdeep’s father said: “No, there was no such discussion.”
He added: “We also found out surprisingly that the trade has happened. I think the official intimation has probably come now that he has been traded, yes. But, you know how it is… wherever a person is born, they always have a special love for their native place, and they never forget it their whole life. So, Kings XI Punjab was like a native place for him; there was a very strong connection with them. So, you do feel a little emotional about it.
“But since every franchise wants to build its own team balance, they traded him accordingly. We are very happy with Mumbai Indians as well. Over there, his old captain and old teammates like Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadavand others are there, so we are very happy.”
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