Hardik Pandya to Punjab, Arshdeep Singh to Mumbai in successful IPL trade

ByTech Word News

Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh have swapped teams in what is being described as the biggest trade deal in the history of the Indian Premier League. Hardik, captain of Mumbai Indians, is shifting base to Punjab Kings, while Arshdeep Singh, the main fast bowler of Punjab Kings, is shifting to Mumbai Indians.

The Indian Cricket Board officially announced the market early on November 11 and confirmed that Hardik and Arshdeep have swapped franchises. Both players were valued at Rs 18 crore, so it was a straight swap between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, without any additional financial component.

The rating marks a change for both players from last season. While Arshdeep was retained by Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore, Hardik was retained by Mumbai Indians for Rs 16.35 crore. The deal completely changes the dynamic of the two sides, with Mumbai now boasting one of the most effective front-line attacks in the IPL, while Punjab add to their destructive middle order led by Shreyas Iyer. Photo: IPL

The trade deal ends Hardik Pandya’s second stint with the Mumbai Indians, where he spent three seasons. Hardik’s fairytale comeback from Gujarat Titans turned into an absolute disaster when he just couldn’t win over the fans.

MI supporters did not take the news of Rohit Sharma stepping down as captain well and it reflected in their performances on the field. MI have finished in the last two in two of the three seasons under Hardik.

During this trade window, the player was linked with Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans. It was reported that Hardik wanted to return to GT as captain, but the franchise rejected the move. Although they were reportedly happy to have him back as a player, they wanted him to play under Shubman Gill.

ARSHDEEP SINGH’S FATHER SPILLS THE BEANS

A day before the trade deal was officially confirmed by the Indian cricket board, father Arshdeep Singh spilled the beans in an interview with journalist Vimal Kumar.

He said that when he first heard about the possibility of a move, it was a shock even to him, given that Punjab Kings was Arshdeep’s home. However, he added that he was more than happy to see his son move to Mumbai Indians to play alongside his international teammate Jasprit Bumrah.

IPL HARDIK-ARSHDEEP NUMBERS

Both Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh are proven performers in the IPL. Hardik won five IPL titles, four with MI during his first stint and one as captain of Gujarat Titans. He has almost 3000 runs and 82 wickets to his credit.

Known as a complete player, Hardik has an elite ability to take both spin and pace along with strong acumen as a leader. However, his attitude, both on and off the pitch, has come under fire in recent years.

Arshdeep Singh, on the other hand, is arguably India’s best T20 bowler after Jasprit Bumrah. Temper has 111 wickets in 96 matches and is fast climbing the list of the highest wicket takers in the format.

Arshdeep uses swing early in the innings and has the ability to bowl quick yorkers even in the death overs.

However, he has a penchant for conceding wide chances and can be expensive in the format at times.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER BIG IPL DEALERS?

This is the second major trade of the season. Earlier this year, Lucknow Super Giants traded Rishabh Pant to Delhi Capitals, who in turn offered Kuldeep Yadav to the franchise.

Here are some of the biggest trade deals in IPL history:

  • Zaheer Khan to MI – Part of Robin Uthappa Swapdeal (2009)
  • Abhishek Sharma to SRH – part of Shikhar Dhawan swap deal (2019)
  • Hardik Pandya to GT – Rs 15 crore cash (2024)
  • Cameron Green to RCB – Rs 17.5 crore cash (2024)
  • Sanju Samson to CSK – part of Ravindra Jadeja swap deal (2025)
  • Kuldeep Yadav to LSG – part of Rishabh Pant swap deal (2026)

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