Akash Ambani bids farewell as Hardik Pandya is traded to Punjab Kings
Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani on Wednesday paid tribute after Hardik Pandya completed a move to Punjab Kings in a major player trade ahead of the IPL 2027 season, bringing an end to his second stint with the five-time champions. The IPL officially confirmed the swap on Wednesday, which sends Hardik to Punjab Kings and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh to Mumbai Indians.
Akash Ambani issued a statement reflecting on Hardik's time with the franchise, saying, "I have great respect for him, both as a cricketer and as a person, and wish him nothing but the very best for everything that lies ahead." He added, "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 return to lead the team. His contribution, his energy and the competitive spirit he brings to the field have been valuable to Mumbai Indians."
The swap was confirmed by the IPL on Wednesday and was finalised ahead of the November 17 retention deadline. This move represents the second time Hardik has been traded out of Mumbai Indians.
Hardik first joined Mumbai Indians in 2015 and spent seven seasons with the franchise. He was part of Mumbai's title-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Ahead of the 2022 season Hardik moved to the newly formed Gujarat Titans in a major trade and was appointed captain. He led Gujarat to the title in their debut season and the franchise reached the final in 2023, losing to Chennai Super Kings.
Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 season and took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma; the leadership change prompted a backlash from a section of supporters, with Hardik being booed at several venues, including the Wankhede Stadium. His second stint spanned three seasons, with Mumbai finishing bottom of the points table in 2024, reaching the playoffs in 2025 and failing to qualify in 2026.
Across 162 IPL appearances, Hardik scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and picked up 82 wickets. He leaves Mumbai having won four titles with the franchise, in addition to the championship he secured as Gujarat Titans captain in 2022.
For Punjab Kings, the signing brings an experienced Indian all-rounder and a proven leader; the franchise reached the IPL final in 2025 under Shreyas Iyer. Arshdeep Singh's arrival gives Mumbai Indians a left-arm pace option to complement Jasprit Bumrah; Arshdeep spent eight seasons with Punjab and became their leading wicket-taker with 111 wickets in 96 IPL matches.
The trade was conducted with financial terms agreed by both franchises: Hardik will join Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore while Arshdeep Singh moves to Mumbai Indians for the same fee, and Hardik's new amount represents an increase from his previous retention figure of Rs 16.35 crore.
