Have a lot of respect for Hardik: Akash Ambani bids farewell to the outgoing all-rounder

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani paid a heartfelt tribute to Hardik Pandya after the Indian all-rounder completed his move to Punjab Kings in a major player deal ahead of IPL 2027, ending his second stint with the five-time champions.

“I have a lot of respect for him, both as a cricketer and as a person, and I wish him nothing but the best in whatever lies ahead,” Akash said in a statement about Hardik’s association with the franchise.

“Hardik has shared some very special moments with Mumbai Indians. We have seen him grow as a cricketer, make his mark on the world stage and then come back to lead the team. His contribution, energy and competitive spirit he brings to the field have been invaluable to Mumbai Indians.”

The deal, officially confirmed by the IPL on Wednesday, will see Hardik join Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crorewhile left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh moves in the opposite direction to Mumbai Indians for the same fee. Hardik’s new fee is an increase from his previous holding of Rs 16.35 crore. The deal was completed before the November 17 retention deadline.

The move marks the second time Hardik has been traded from Mumbai Indians. He first joined the franchise in 2015 and spent seven seasons with them, becoming an integral part of their winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

His performances with both bat and ball have made him one of the most valuable all-rounders in the IPL. However, before the 2022 season, Hardik moved to the newly formed Gujarat Titans in a major trade deal. He was named captain and made an immediate impact as he led the series to the title in his debut season. Gujarat also reached the final in 2023, losing to Chennai Super Kings.

A CHALLENGING SECOND STINT

Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 season in another major move, taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma. The change in leadership caused opposition from some MI supporters, p Hardik was booed at several placesincluding the Wankhede Stadium.

His second stint, which lasted three seasons, proved challenging. Mumbai finished at the bottom of the points table in 2024, although they bounced back to make the playoffs in 2025. The franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2026.

In 162 IPL appearances, Hardik scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and took 82 wickets. He leaves Mumbai after winning four titles with the franchise, apart from the championship he secured as the captain of Gujarat Titans in 2022.

For the Punjab Kings, the arrival of Hardik brings an experienced Indian all-rounder and a proven leader to their line-up. The franchise, who reached the 2025 IPL final under Shreyas Iyer, will be hoping his experience will boost their campaign.

Meanwhile, Arshdeep’s arrival gives Mumbai a left-arm pace option to complement Jasprit Bumrah. The India international spent eight seasons with the Punjab Kings and became their leading wicket-taker with 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches.

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