Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on Hardik Pandya’s new trade rumors ahead of IPL 2027 auction. According to the latest reports, Hardik Pandya and Punjab Kings’ Arshdeep Singh could be swapped. In addition, Punjab Kings will also trade out wicket-keeper batsman Vishnu Vinod to Mumbai Indians.
Under Pandya, Mumbai Indians have managed to qualify for the playoffs on a solitary occasion in the last three seasons. After the conclusion of IPL 2026, it has been reported on multiple occasions that Pandya could part ways with MI.
“Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings, huh? And from Punjab Kings, Arshdeep Singh and Vishnu Vinod to Mumbai Indians. I mean, rumors are circulating that it is a very advanced-level conversation, and something like this could happen,” Chopra said in a video uploaded to his X handle. “And I’m thinking, uh, which team is going to be happier with this? And will it actually start another trade thing? Because connected to it, there are several wires linked together.”
Chopra said MI will be happy to add a bowler like Arshdeep Singh, who will further strengthen their bowling.
“See, in my opinion, actually Mumbai Indians will be quite happy if, alongside Bumrah, they get Arshdeep; along with them, Deepak Chahar is there, and Corbin Bosch you already have. I mean, uh… the numbers will become massive, man. Bumrah and Arshdeep in the same team—this is, brother, Team India’s bowling line-up! What better could you ask for than this?” Chopra added.
The renowned commentator questioned Punjab Kings for adding so many all-rounders in their squad.
“If something like this happens — because Punjab’s weakness itself is their bowling. And if they let Arshdeep go from that, then they will have to make some other trades. Then maybe Marcus Stoinis will have to be let go, because how many all-rounders do you need? Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, uh, you also have Suryansh Shedge. I mean, how many all-rounders plus Hardik Pandya? I mean, what will you do with so many all-rounders?” Chopra remarked.
IPL 2027 auction will be held in mid-December in Goa.
