Hardik Pandya trade update: India all-rounder set for shock Mumbai Indians exit, Punjab Kings closes in on deal

Hardik Pandya had returned to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

Punjab Kings (PBKS) is understood to be closing in on a deal to acquire Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya in a surprise trade ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season.

The Ricky Ponting-coached franchise has advanced considerably in its negotiations with Mumbai Indians, with India pacer Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod likely to move in the opposite direction.

Sportstar understands that the senior management of the two franchises have all but agreed on the proposed exchange, with the documentation expected to be processed by IPL officials. An official announcement is likely later this week, ahead of the November 17 retention deadline.

Punjab’s interest in acquiring a match-winning all-rounder, even at the cost of a key fast bowler, is understood to have followed an initial approach from a senior Mumbai Indians official. Once PBKS agreed to explore the possibility of bringing Hardik on board, discussions centred on Arshdeep and Vishnu as the players to be offered in exchange.

Mumbai, meanwhile, had explored the possibility of trading Hardik with at least three other franchises. Besides Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was the only other team whose discussions with MI progressed to an advanced stage, with a potential multi-player deal involving the all-rounder being considered.

With Hardik seemingly headed to Punjab Kings, it remains to be seen whether KKR will pursue another high-profile player from the Mumbai Indians stable.

Arshdeep’s likely departure could also trigger another deal for PBKS. The franchise may approach Lucknow Super Giants for a swap involving left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan and Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Hardik’s arrival is expected to reduce Stoinis’s role, while Mohsin, fitness permitting, is highly rated by the Punjab think-tank.

Arshdeep had been released by Punjab ahead of the 2025 mega auction but was brought back using the Right to Match card. After Sunrisers Hyderabad raised their successful bid from Rs. 15.75 crore to Rs. 18 crore, PBKS matched the offer to retain the left-arm pacer.

Hardik, meanwhile, returned to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024, following a successful two-season stint with the franchise, which he had led to the title in 2022. His subsequent three seasons as MI captain, however, yielded limited success, with the team finishing near the bottom of the standings twice.