Hardik Pandya's proposed Punjab Kings move could bring out his best, says Ravi Shastri

On November 10, 2026, speaking on Extra Innings ahead of India's third ODI against New Zealand, former India coach Ravi Shastri said Hardik Pandya's proposed move from Mumbai Indians to Punjab Kings could unleash the all-rounder's best when he is fully fit. Shastri added: “You know, whenever he plays, if he’s fully fit, he’s the best in the business in T20 cricket. He’s a genuine match-winner.”

Shastri also suggested Pandya could be particularly motivated after a lengthy absence from competitive cricket, saying: “And he might just be charged up. He hasn’t played cricket for a while, so he could be eager to come out there and show what he’s capable of.” Reports say the trade, with Arshdeep Singh set to move to Mumbai Indians, is close to completion and both franchises have submitted expressions of interest to the BCCI.

An official confirmation of the swap is expected once the necessary paperwork is completed. If finalised, the move would end Pandya's second spell with Mumbai Indians; he returned to the franchise in 2024 and succeeded Rohit Sharma as captain.

Mumbai Indians struggled for consistency during Pandya's three seasons in charge, culminating in a difficult IPL 2026 campaign when the team finished ninth with four wins from 14 matches. The franchise missed the playoffs twice in the three seasons since Pandya became captain and are now expected to bring Rohit Sharma back to the leadership role for 2027.

Punjab Kings reached the previous season's final and then narrowly missed the playoffs in 2026 under Shreyas Iyer. The reports indicate Pandya would join Punjab as a player while Shreyas Iyer remains set to continue as captain.

Pandya's absence from competitive cricket has been prolonged by a series of fitness setbacks that began during IPL 2026; he last played on May 24 and missed four matches in that tournament because of back spasms before suffering a leg strain. He spent an extended period at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru during his recovery.

A comeback was first anticipated in September and Pandya was named in India A's squad for the one-day series against Australia A in October, but a fresh injury to his right shin forced him to withdraw. He was reportedly still experiencing pain while bowling and was advised to take complete rest before resuming rehabilitation, a setback that also ruled him out of India's white-ball series against New Zealand. India captain Shubman Gill has said Pandya will need to play domestic cricket and prove his fitness before returning to the national side, with the immediate priority to regain match fitness ahead of the next international assignment.

Pandya was left out of Baroda's squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 14, delaying his return to competitive cricket once again; he has been sidelined for nearly six months and must overcome those injuries before he can make an impact for Punjab Kings.