The biggest trade before the IPL 2027 auction was officially announced as Hardik Pandya left Mumbai Indians (MI) for Punjab Kings (PBKS), while Arshdeep Singh joins the five-time IPL champions. Both the players were traded in a simple trade, with each getting INR 18 crores each.
Even though this trade may appear to be a blockbuster move on paper, it could end up being a questionable decision for PBKS. Signing a big name such as Hardik Pandya does not automatically ensure better results, and today we see three reasons why this trade might be a bad move for PBKS.
Here are the 3 reasons why Hardik Pandya’s trade is a bad move for PBKS for IPL 2027:
3. Hardik Pandya fitness concerns
Hardik Pandya has not been playing any cricket since the IPL 2026 due to back spasms and calf strain and is unlikely to return to action, possibly till the next IPL. Hardik Pandya is a dashing batter and a more than useful medium pacer, but he struggles with injuries and workload management. Spending INR 18 crore on a player whose availability might be uncertain is a significant gamble, particularly when the franchise has already parted ways with a dependable performer.
2. PBKS lost their best pacer in trade
Punjab Kings had an excellent pacer in Arshdeep Singh that led their bowling unit since his debut in the 2019 IPL and took 111 wickets for the franchise. Now, though, they’ve lost their pacer in the franchise to gain an amazing Indian all-rounder. While Hardik Pandya’s inclusion saves them an overseas spot, they might have to spend big bucks to get another talented India pacer to lead their pace attack. While Hardik brings all-round value, his arrival does not necessarily compensate for the void Arshdeep leaves behind.
1. Hardik Pandya’s ego clashes with Shreyas Iyer’s
There was a notion that Hardik Pandya might not go to a franchise where he is not made the captain. The urge for captaincy led Pandya to leave MI before IPL 2022 and move to Gujarat Titans. He then returned to MI for captaincy in 2024. However, in Punjab Kings, Pandya will not be in the captaincy role, with Shreyas Iyer being the leader there. Iyer led PBKS to the final of the IPL 2025 and had done well in IPL 2026 as well. Both Iyer and Pandya are ambitious players with egos, and there are chances of clashes between which might harm PBKS in the long run.
