Hardik Pandya is likely to join Punjab Kings very soon. This news came as a shock because, until now, speculation suggested Hardik Pandya might be traded to CSK, KKR, or RR. PBKS was nowhere in the picture.
For the earlier possibilities discussed around his future, read our Hardik Pandya trade latest update.
What Is the Hardik Pandya to PBKS Trade Rumor?
According to a report published today by The Hindu, Hardik Pandya is set to be traded very soon in a swap involving Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod. Both players would move to Mumbai Indians, while Hardik Pandya would join Punjab Kings.
The deal has reportedly progressed far, with negotiations at an advanced stage. The two franchises are likely to close it within the week, and it may be announced publicly before the IPL retentions.
This is extremely shocking for everyone, not just Hardik Pandya fans but PBKS fans too. Arshdeep Singh and Vishnu Vinod have been associated with Punjab Kings for a long time.
Mumbai may need a bowler who can hold the runs, while PBKS needs a finisher who can win big matches, and no name is bigger than Hardik Pandya. How accurate this news is remains to be seen, but if it is true, it will shake up the IPL world. Seeing Hardik Pandya in a PBKS jersey would be very interesting.
Let’s look at how both teams would shape up after this trade.
Mumbai Indians After the Trade
Bowling Strength
Mumbai would have a surplus in bowling. Imagine Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, two of India’s finest T20 bowlers, together with Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult. This looks like a fiery pace attack:
- Death overs: Arshdeep can bowl at the death alongside Bumrah.
- Powerplay: Chahar and Boult can handle the new ball.
With Mumbai’s recent management change, this decision looks smart.
Who Will Replace Hardik as a Finisher?
Filling Hardik’s shoes as a finisher will be the challenge. Tilak Varma and Will Jacks would need to step up. Tilak sometimes has issues with his strike rate, and Will Jacks needs to be more consistent.
In the upcoming auction, Mumbai will probably target a finisher and a spinner. That should be enough to balance the squad.
Punjab Kings After the Trade
Batting and Finishing Power
PBKS already had strong finishers, but not someone you could bet on in big matches. That is probably why they’re getting involved in this deal. With Hardik Pandya, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai, they would have the best possible finishers in the league.
Bowling Concerns Without Arshdeep
However, PBKS would surely lack bowling strength without Arshdeep, as he was their main pacer. Their bowling attack would look like this:
- Yash Thakur
- Marco Jansen
- Hardik Pandya
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Lockie Ferguson
None of them looks like a proven match-winner with the ball. Punjab might struggle to defend totals and bowl at the death without Arshdeep. In the auction, they may look to buy some good pacers.
Punjab Kings are keen to bring Mohsin Khan in to strengthen their bowling if Arshdeep Singh leaves for Mumbai Indians as part of a trade involving Hardik Pandya. This remains a reported possibility, not a confirmed move.
Will Shreyas Iyer Captain PBKS?
In my opinion, Shreyas Iyer is likely to remain captain, as his performances in the previous two seasons have been up to the mark.
Final Thoughts
If the Hardik Pandya-to-PBKS trade is confirmed, it will be one of the biggest moves in IPL history. Stay tuned for official confirmation before the IPL retentions.