Major IPL Trade: Hardik Pandya Joins Punjab Kings, Arshdeep Singh Moves to Mumbai Indians
Significant Player Exchange in IPL
In a landmark trade within the Indian Premier League (IPL), former captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), Hardik Pandya, is set to join the Punjab Kings (PBKS). In exchange, PBKS will send Arshdeep Singh, who is recognized as India's top T20I bowler, to MI.
The IPL announced, "In a marquee player trade ahead of the TATA IPL 2027, Hardik Pandya will transition to Punjab Kings, while Arshdeep Singh, the leading wicket-taker for India in T20 Internationals, will become part of the five-time champions."
Pandya's move to PBKS comes with a salary increase to Rs 18 crore from his previous Rs 16.35 crore, while Arshdeep will maintain his current salary of Rs 18 crore upon joining MI.
This trade marks the end of Pandya's second term with MI, a team with which he secured four IPL championships. He first joined MI in 2015 and evolved into one of the league's most influential all-rounders, playing crucial roles in their title victories in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.
After spending seven seasons with Mumbai, Pandya transferred to the Gujarat Titans (GT) before IPL 2022, where he made an immediate impact by leading the team to victory in their inaugural season. GT also reached the finals in 2023 before Pandya returned to MI in 2024 to reclaim the captaincy. Over 162 IPL matches, he has amassed 2,955 runs with a strike rate of 146.28 and taken 82 wickets, showcasing his prowess as a match-winner.
However, his recent tenure with MI was less impressive, as he scored only 647 runs in 39 matches, averaging 21.53 with a strike rate of 147.82, and his highest score being 48*. He also took 29 wickets in 39 matches, averaging over 34, including a five-wicket haul. Under his leadership, MI reached the playoffs in 2025 but finished last in both the 2024 and 2026 seasons.
On the other hand, Arshdeep joins MI after an eight-season stint with PBKS, where he debuted in 2019 and became one of the league's top left-arm fast bowlers. With 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches, he holds the record as PBKS's all-time leading wicket-taker.
His knack for securing early wickets and performing under pressure during the death overs has made him an essential part of Punjab's bowling lineup. In IPL 2025, he took 21 wickets, followed by 14 wickets in the 2026 season. His left-arm pace and versatility in different match situations will significantly enhance MI's bowling strength.