Punjab Kings co-owner breaks silence on Hardik Pandya deal, reveals rival franchises were interested

Hardik Pandya to Join Punjab Kings in Major Trade as Arshdeep Singh Moves to Mumbai Indians

Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has confirmed that several Indian Premier League franchises were interested in signing Hardik Pandya before the India all-rounder’s move from Mumbai Indians was completed. Despite the competition, Punjab stayed focused on its preferred arrangement: a direct trade with Mumbai that would send left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh the other way.

The high-profile deal, agreed ahead of IPL 2027, gives Punjab an experienced T20 match-winner and provides Mumbai with a proven Indian seamer. Wadia said the Kings regard Hardik as a long-term addition, not a short-term signing, and believe his all-round ability and leadership can help the franchise pursue its first IPL title.

Why Punjab Kings Pursued Hardik Pandya

Hardik arrives at Punjab with a record that combines power hitting, seam bowling and leadership experience. He has been part of multiple IPL-winning campaigns and captained Gujarat Titans to the championship in their first season, in 2022. Gujarat reached the final again in 2023, underlining Hardik’s influence during his time with the franchise.

Wadia described the 32-year-old as a world-class player whose experience could make a difference both on the field and in the dressing room. He also pointed to Hardik’s international achievements and his ability to contribute in several phases of a match.

“He is a world-class player. He has won several trophies, including the IPL and ICC titles. He is a premier all-rounder in the world and brings a lot of experience and wisdom,” Wadia told Cricbuzz. He added that Hardik could work alongside head coach Ricky Ponting to inspire the squad and bring added value to the team.

For Punjab, the signing addresses more than one tactical need. A fit Hardik can strengthen the middle order, provide a seam-bowling option and offer flexibility when the team balances its playing XI. That versatility may prove especially valuable across a long IPL season, when injuries, form and match conditions can force teams to adjust their combinations.

Rival Interest Did Not Change Punjab’s Plan

Wadia acknowledged that other franchises had explored the possibility of signing Hardik. However, Punjab’s position remained clear: the all-rounder would move only through a deal with Mumbai that included Arshdeep. According to Wadia, Mumbai had a similarly firm preference, allowing the two franchises to reach an agreement that both consider beneficial.

“There was competition, frankly, but that didn’t bother us because we were very clear about what we wanted, and Mumbai were equally clear about what they wanted,” he said. “Others did show interest, but we were very clear that Arshdeep would be involved only in a deal with Mumbai. I think it was the same with Mumbai.”

The reported terms see Hardik join Punjab for ₹18 crore, up from his previous fee of ₹16.35 crore. Arshdeep moves to Mumbai at his existing ₹18 crore price. The figures reflect the value both teams place on experienced Indian players who can shape a side’s balance.

Hardik’s Mumbai Journey Comes Full Circle

The trade marks the end of Hardik’s second spell with Mumbai Indians. He first joined the franchise in 2015 and became part of four title-winning teams, lifting the trophy in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. After seven seasons in Mumbai, he moved to Gujarat Titans ahead of the 2022 campaign and quickly established himself as a captain capable of leading a new team to success.

Hardik returned to Mumbai in 2024 and took over as captain. His second stint, however, brought greater scrutiny and challenges than his first. The move to Punjab now gives him a fresh environment and a new opportunity to contribute as a senior player, while giving the Kings a high-profile figure with experience in title-winning campaigns.

Wadia also addressed questions about Hardik’s injury history, noting that the all-rounder has dealt with difficult periods in recent years. Rather than viewing that record as a reason to avoid the deal, he expressed confidence that Hardik could make a strong impact for Punjab.

“From his perspective too, he has had a difficult last couple of years with injuries and various other issues. I think you will see a reinvigorated Hardik Pandya,” Wadia said. He highlighted Hardik’s fielding, energy and standing in T20 cricket as qualities that could benefit the squad.

Arshdeep Singh’s Move to Mumbai Indians

Arshdeep’s departure will be an emotional one for Punjab supporters. He began his IPL career with the Kings in 2019 and developed into one of the team’s most dependable bowlers. Across 96 matches, the left-armer has taken 111 wickets, becoming Punjab’s leading wicket-taker.

His value comes from his ability to operate with the new ball and return at the end of an innings, when accurate yorkers and changes of pace are essential. Those skills could give Mumbai another Indian fast-bowling option as the five-time champions shape their attack for the next season.

Wadia admitted that letting Arshdeep go was difficult because of the bowler’s long association with Punjab. He described him as part of the franchise family and said the Kings were proud of the progress he had made. Wadia also wished him success at his new club.

The exchange therefore carries both sporting and emotional significance: Punjab gains an established all-rounder, while Mumbai secures a specialist left-arm quick with experience in high-pressure IPL situations.

What the Trade Could Mean for IPL 2027

For Punjab, the key question will be how effectively Hardik fits into the team’s leadership structure and how consistently he can contribute with both bat and ball. His experience could help younger players, while his ability to influence a game in multiple ways gives the coaching staff more options when planning match-ups.

Mumbai, meanwhile, will look to make the most of Arshdeep’s pace, left-arm angle and death-overs experience. The trade’s long-term impact will depend on fitness, form and how each player fits his new side’s plans, but the immediate prediction is that both teams have addressed important squad needs.

Wadia said Punjab’s ambition is to win championships and stressed that Hardik’s signing is intended to support that goal over more than one season. With a major player swap agreed and rival interest overcome, the focus now shifts to preparation—and to whether Hardik can help Punjab turn its title ambitions into results on the field.