New Delhi: Punjab Kings have strengthened their batting line-up by bringing in Hardik Pandya from Mumbai Indians, but the departure of Arshdeep Singh could leave a significant gap in their bowling attack ahead of IPL 2027. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has acknowledged the batting boost while warning that Punjab must find suitable replacements for the left-arm pacer and strengthen their spin department.
The high-profile exchange between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) was officially confirmed on November 11. Pandya moved to Punjab at a revised fee of Rs 18 crore, while Arshdeep joined Mumbai Indians at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore.
The deal has become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the IPL 2027 season, with both franchises making significant changes to their squad combinations.
Irfan Pathan highlights Punjab’s batting advantage
Reacting to the trade, Pathan said Hardik’s arrival would provide Punjab Kings with another powerful batting option in the middle and lower order.
Punjab already had a strong batting unit, but the addition of an experienced all-rounder gives the team greater depth and finishing ability. Hardik’s capacity to accelerate the scoring rate and contribute with the ball makes him a valuable addition.
In his assessment shared on social media, Pathan said: “With this trade of Hardik, Punjab get a really good middle and lower order power hitter. Their batting line-up was already strong, but this makes them even stronger in that department.”
Hardik has established himself as one of the IPL’s prominent all-rounders. Across 162 IPL matches, he has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and taken 82 wickets.
His experience of playing in high-pressure matches and contributing in different phases of an innings could give Punjab another important option under captain Shreyas Iyer.
Arshdeep’s departure raises bowling concerns
While welcoming Hardik’s arrival, Pathan expressed concern over Punjab’s decision to part ways with Arshdeep.
The left-arm fast bowler had been one of the franchise’s most dependable players during his association with the team. His ability to take wickets with the new ball and bowl difficult overs towards the end of an innings made him an important part of Punjab’s bowling plans.
Pathan said: “Their bowling is a real concern for me. They not only need to find a replacement for Arshdeep Singh but also need to invest in a good spinner going forward.”
Arshdeep represented Punjab Kings for eight seasons after making his IPL debut for the franchise in 2019. He finished his association with the team as its all-time leading wicket-taker, claiming 111 wickets in 96 matches.
His departure means Punjab will have to identify another bowler capable of handling the responsibilities he regularly carried, particularly during the powerplay and death overs.
The franchise will also need to assess its spin-bowling resources before finalising its playing combination for the new season.
Mumbai Indians benefit from Arshdeep’s arrival
Pathan also highlighted the advantages Mumbai Indians could gain from signing Arshdeep.
The left-arm pacer’s arrival gives Mumbai another established Indian fast-bowling option alongside Jasprit Bumrah. The combination could provide the franchise with greater flexibility in distributing bowling responsibilities across the innings.
Pathan had earlier written on social media: “The trade of Arshdeep Singh makes Mumbai Indians a much stronger side. It allows them to use Jasprit Bumrah even more effectively and also has a positive impact on their overseas slots.”
Bumrah has often carried significant responsibility in Mumbai’s bowling attack. With Arshdeep available, the franchise could have another experienced bowler capable of operating with the new ball and during the closing overs.
The addition could also influence Mumbai’s overseas-player combinations, potentially allowing the franchise to consider another overseas batter or all-rounder depending on its squad requirements.
Hardik to play under Shreyas Iyer at Punjab
Another aspect of the move is Hardik’s role within the Punjab Kings leadership structure.
Shreyas Iyer is expected to continue as the franchise’s captain, meaning Hardik will join the team as an experienced all-rounder rather than take over the leadership role.
Pathan pointed out that the relationship between Hardik and Shreyas, and how smoothly the former Mumbai captain adapts to playing under another leader, will be an interesting aspect of the upcoming season.
Punjab performed strongly under Shreyas in IPL 2025, reaching the final. The franchise will hope that Hardik’s experience and all-round skills can help the team take another step towards its maiden IPL title.
For Hardik, the move also marks a fresh chapter after his second stint with Mumbai Indians, where he captained the franchise from 2024 to 2026.
A significant trade ahead of IPL 2027
The exchange has given both teams different strengths heading into the next season. Punjab Kings have acquired an experienced all-rounder who can add power to their batting, while Mumbai Indians have secured a proven left-arm fast bowler to strengthen their pace attack.
However, Pathan’s assessment highlights the challenge facing Punjab. The addition of Hardik may improve the batting balance, but replacing Arshdeep’s contribution with the ball will be a crucial task.
The effectiveness of the trade will ultimately depend on how both players perform for their new franchises and how successfully the teams address the gaps created by the exchange.