Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has shed light on potential Hardik-Arshdeep trade ahead of IPL 2027 auction. Srikkanth reckons if the trade goes through, Mumbai Indians will get a good opening partner for Jasprit Bumrah in the form of Arshdeep Singh, which has been missing in the last few seasons.
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.
Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “This is a good trade for both sides. Arshdeep Singh didn’t want to be with Punjab and previously went into the auction. For MI, a good opening partner was missing for Bumrah. This will fill that gap. For PBKS, they were looking for a middle-order all-rounder. If they get Hardik, they’ll remove Marcus Stoinis. Vishnu Vinod is nothing great, so he doesn’t make a big difference.”
The 1983 World Cup-winner said the trade deal will be more beneficial for Punjab Kings.
“MI’s batting is already excellent, and now Naman Dhir will come in as the primary Indian all-rounder. PBKS will also remove Nehal Wadhera, and Hardik will slot in either for him or Stoinis. MI will obviously give away an ageing Trent Boult, and Arshdeep will fill in that role. With Hardik, PBKS will become very strong. Though it helps both sides, it benefits Punjab more,” he stated.
On the other hand, the former Indian selector said MI’s trade deal with Rajasthan Royals for Yashasvi Jaiswal would have been a great addition but the five-time champions don’t have a reliable left-arm seamer in the squad.
“Jaiswal would have been a great addition for MI if the trade with RR went through. But the problem is MI didn’t have a reliable left-arm pacer because Boult is over the hill and out. That’s why the trade with PBKS is better for MI than the one with RR,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).
IPL 2027 auction will be held in Goa in mid-December.
