'My captain Shreyas, my coach Ricky': Hardik's first comment after joining PBKS

Hardik Pandya (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya has made his first public comment after joining Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the 2027 IPL season.Pandya has moved from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore. In return, PBKS have traded fast bowler Arshdeep Singh to MI.The trade has been completed ahead of the 2027 IPL season. Pandya's new fee of Rs 18 crore is higher than his earlier fee of Rs 16.35 crore. Arshdeep has moved to MI at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore, according to an IPL statement.

The all-rounder shared a message on Instagram, mentioning his new captain

Shreyas Iyer

, coach

Ricky Ponting

and the team."Sat Sri Akal. My Captain. Shreyas. My Coach. Ricky. My team. All of Punjab. I am standing behind you," Pandya wrote.The move brings an end to Pandya's second stint with Mumbai Indians, where he won four IPL titles.Pandya first joined MI in 2015 and played a key role in their title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. He returned to the franchise in 2024 and took over as captain from Rohit Sharma. However, MI struggled during this period.

In 162 IPL matches, Pandya has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and taken 82 wickets.

Arshdeep moves to Mumbai Indians

Arshdeep, meanwhile, joins MI after spending eight seasons with Punjab Kings. He made his IPL debut for PBKS in 2019 and became one of the leading left-arm fast bowlers in the competition.He has taken 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches and is Punjab Kings' all-time leading wicket-taker.