Arshdeep Singh’s release was tough, but the Hardik Pandya trade was worth it: Ness Wadia
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has described the franchise’s decision to trade Arshdeep Singh for Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027 as a difficult but win-win move and admitted that parting ways with the Indian fast bowler after eight years was an emotional decision.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Wadia opened up about the sensational trade, Hardik’s fitness and mental state, Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, Punjab’s team mix and the possibility of an extended IPL window.
THE HARDIK-ARSHDEEP TRADE WAS A MONTH LONG DISCUSSION
Wadia revealed trade between Punjabi kings and Bombay Indians she worked for about a month before receiving approval from the BCCI. He described it as a mutual decision, with both franchises keen to complete the trade.
While Punjab have secured the services of five-time IPL winner Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh has moved to Mumbai Indians after spending eight years with the Punjab franchise. Wadia admitted that letting go of Arshdeep was particularly difficult given how he had developed from a young player to a world-class bowler during his time with the team.
He described Arshdeep as a wonderful human being and a great performer, adding that he was happy that one of the league’s most successful franchises recognized the value of the fast bowler.
Wadia also emphasized that the decision was not driven by any individual but was the result of a collective effort involving everyone in the franchise. He said Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, captain Shreyas Iyer and the coaching staff were happy with the result.
SHREYAS IYER TO REMAIN CAPTAIN OF PUNJAB KINGS
One of the biggest questions surrounding Hardik’s arrival was whether the all-rounder’s proven leadership skills could lead to a change in Punjab’s captaincy.
However, Wadia put these questions to rest and made it clear that Shreyas Iyer will continue to lead the franchise.
“There is only one sarpanch,” Wadia said, stressing that there was no discussion about replacing Shreyas with Hardik.
He also suggested that playing under Shreyas could allow Hardik to focus more on his performances rather than taking on the additional responsibilities that come with the captaincy.
Wadia pointed to existing relationships within the franchise as an important factor behind the move. Hardik has previously worked with head coach Ricky Ponting and shares a close relationship with Shreyas. He added that the involvement of the captain, coach and management made the trade a collective decision.
HARDIK’S FITNESS, MENTAL STATE AND RETURN TIMELINE
Wadia also addressed the concerns surrounding Hardik’s fitnessespecially after the all-rounder had not featured in international cricket since the previous IPL season.
He confirmed that Hardik recently suffered a minor gash on his shin but was recovering. Wadia expressed confidence that the all-rounder will return to competitive cricket well before the start of IPL 2027.
The Punjab co-owner also spoke about Hardik’s mental well-being and revealed that he had spoken to the player personally and found that he was in a very good state of mind.
According to Wadia, Hardik was calm and excited to join the Punjab Kings. He stressed the importance of the players feeling respected, loved and appreciated, adding that the franchise wanted Hardik to consider Punjab as his home for many years rather than seeing the move as a one-season arrangement.
Wadia also endorsed Hardik’s quality despite what he described as two rather difficult seasons, insisting that his recent performances did not influence Punjab’s decision to bring him on board.
He highlighted Hardik’s ambitions to perform well, represent India and succeed on the international stage.
PUNJAB CONFIDENT EVEN DESPITE ARSHDEEP SINGH’S DEPARTURE
Arshdeep’s departure will leave Punjab Kings without one of their most reliable fast bowlers, especially given his ability to target at different stages of the innings.
However, Wadia expressed confidence in the existing bowling resources and hinted that the franchise will assess its options during the auction.
He named Yash Thakur, Vaibhav Arora, Harpreet Brar and Marc Jansen among the players Punjab can rely on, while pointing to the availability of international bowling options like Xavier Bartlett.
Acknowledging the growing dominance of batting in modern T20 cricket, Wadia pointed to the increasingly high scores and difficult conditions in which bowlers operate. However, he maintained that bowling remained an important part of the team’s plans.
He also expressed optimism about Punjab’s overall team mix, indicating that the franchise is moving in the right direction as it continues its quest for a maiden IPL title.
WADIA BACKS A MORE VERSATILE HEAVY PUNJAB SQUAD
Punjab Kings have built a team with several players capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Hardik’s arrival adds another established all-rounder to the mix.
When asked if the team needed more specialist players, Wadia said the modern game requires flexibility. He acknowledged the importance of specialists, but argued that having players who could contribute in multiple departments offered teams more options.
He emphasized that the increasing dominance of batting means that teams need players who can adapt to different match situations.
Wadia also named Cooper Connolly, Harpreet Brar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marc Jansen, Hardik Pandya and Shashank Singh while talking about Punjab’s all-round resources.
He indicated that the franchise was relatively well-placed in terms of team balance, but indicated that the auction would provide an opportunity to strengthen specific areas.
MULTIPLE PLAYERS TRADED POSSIBLE BEFORE IPL 2027 AUCTION
When asked if the Punjab kings were done with their business activities, Wadia refused to rule out further moves.
He said IPL deals can happen until the last minute, adding that the franchise remains open to opportunities that benefit both the teams involved.
Wadia hinted that several talks are underway between the franchises and that Punjab will consider any deal that makes cricketing sense.
He also revealed that the franchise is working to finalize changes to its support staff, with some positions expected to be filled within the week. The next immediate priority was preservation as the deadline loomed.
WADIA BACK LONGER IPL WINDOW, SUPPORTS JANUARY SCHEDULE
Apart from Punjab’s plans, Wadia also shared his thoughts on the growing debate over the expansion of the IPL calendar.
Endorsing the views expressed by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Juhi Chawla, who demanded a larger window for the tournamentwith January emerging as a possible scheduling option.
Wadia said the extended window would be beneficial for the players and pointed to the challenges posed by increasing heat and rain during recent IPL seasons. He also highlighted the workload of cricketers who come to the tournament after completing domestic commitments or international assignments for their countries.
While admitting that the placement of the IPL by January will depend on the international and domestic cricket calendar, he termed the idea as a positive step.
Wadia stressed that the first priority should be securing an extended window for the league to allow for more matches. He also mentioned the possibility of fulfilling the BCCI’s earlier promise of a longer IPL period that could last three months.
However, he admitted that any such change would require discussions and agreement between various stakeholders.
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