Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has shed light on Arshdeep Singh-Hardik Pandya trade ahead of IPL 2027 auction. The trade is near completion and it is expected to be confirmed shortly.
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.
Srikkanth said the deal will be more beneficial for Punjab Kings than Mumbai Indians.
“This trade will definitely benefit Punjab more than Mumbai. With Hardik, they’ll have so many all-rounders, even though I won’t accept Shedge as an all-rounder despite him playing for India. I don’t know how he played for India. But overall, it’s a big plus for PBKS. Yes, MI will also benefit with Arshdeep replacing Boult. Also, now MI will start playing as a team. Rohit will surely be the captain,” said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka.
“But there is no chance for Hardik to become PBKS captain. Shreyas Iyer will definitely be the captain 100%. Ponting bought Iyer only because he wanted him to captain. So there is no scope for Hardik to become PBKS captain. And if they make Hardik the captain, they’ll fall apart, and there will only be conflicts, as was the case in MI.”
The 1983 World Cup-winner said Punjab Kings can release all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and they can look to bring in a fast bowler once Arshdeep Singh moves to MI.
“PBKS will also give away Stoinis and get another pacer from outside. So this is definitely a better trade for PBKS. They didn’t have a middle-order batter who can smash it. They were playing with Shedge half the season. So now with Hardik replacing him, they’ll be even stronger. Of course, with Arshdeep, MI should also let go of Deepak Chahar and not foolishly retain him,” said Srikkanth.
IPL 2027 auction will be held in Goa in mid-December.
