Hardik Pandya’s latest IPL transfer has brought his career full circle, however former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the all-rounder made the incorrect choice when he left Gujarat Titans for <a href="https://cricket.worldwide/rohit-sharma-or-jasprit-bumrah-mumbai-indians-drops-huge-trace-on-hardik-pandyas-successor/" title="Rohit Sharma or Jasprit Bumrah? <a href="https://cricket.worldwide/why-mumbai-indians-dropped-vishnu-vinod-from-hardik-pandya-arshdeep-singh-trade/" title="Why Mumbai Indians dropped Vishnu Vinod from Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh commerce”>Mumbai Indians drops huge hint on Hardik Pandya's successor”>Mumbai Indians in 2024. Hardik had loved a remarkable two-year spell with Gujarat, main the franchise to the IPL title in its debut season earlier than taking it to a different last in 2023.
The all-rounder will now characterize Punjab Kings after Mumbai traded him to the franchise in alternate for Arshdeep Singh ahead of IPL 2027. With Shreyas Iyer continuing as Punjab’s captain, Hardik can also be set to tackle a special function from the one he held during his second stint at Mumbai. Kaif feels the change might help him focus on his performances.
Hardik Pandya joins Punjab Kings as his third IPL crew
Hardik Pandya began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians in 2015. Initially picked as a comparatively unknown all-rounder, he developed into an important part of the franchise’s center order and bowling attack. He spent seven seasons with MI, profitable 4 titles in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
His performances, particularly his aggressive ending and talent to contribute with the ball, established him as one of the league’s main all-rounders. However, Mumbai launched him ahead of the 2022 season, allowing Gujarat Titans to carry him into their squad as captain.
The transfer proved successful instantly. Hardik led GT to the trophy in their first IPL campaign in 2022, ending the season with 487 runs and eight wickets. Gujarat maintained their robust run in 2023, reaching the final earlier than losing to Chennai Tremendous Kings. Hardik scored 346 runs and picked up three wickets that season.
After two successful years, Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 and replaced Rohit Sharma as captain. However, his second stint didn’t produce the same results as his first. MI completed at the backside of the desk in 2024, reached the playoffs in 2025 and ended the 2026 campaign in ninth place.
Mumbai have now traded him to Punjab Kings for Arshdeep Singh. Hardik will join PBKS for ₹18 crore, a rise from his previous charge of ₹16.35 crore, whereas Arshdeep strikes to Mumbai at his current charge of ₹18 crore. The deal makes Punjab the third IPL franchise of Hardik’s career.
It was a blunder by Hardik to leave GT – Mohammad Kaif
Reacting to the commerce, Mohammad Kaif questioned Hardik’s choice to leave Gujarat Titans after establishing himself because the crew’s chief. The former India batter recommended that his emotional connection with Mumbai might have influenced the transfer, however believes the change affected his performances and captaincy.
“It was a blunder by Hardik to leave GT. I feel it was an emotional call. He had a connection with MI, and maybe that drew him again. It is always a tough call. You made GT champions and were the king there. However that decision damage him. He went backwards in his efficiency and captaincy. It might be higher for him to overlook the second part with MI as quickly as he can and transfer forward,” Mohammad Kaif stated in a video on his YouTube channel.
It will be good for Hardik that he’s not captain – Mohammad Kaif
At Punjab Kings, Hardik Pandya will play under Shreyas Iyer, who led the franchise to the IPL 2025 last and stays its captain. Kaif believes that not having management duties might work within the all-rounder’s favour, particularly after the challenges of captaining Mumbai.
“Many gamers want captaincy. However a variety of them do not perform properly under the strain of captaincy. It’s not all people’s cup of tea. It is much more tough within the IPL anyway. It will be good for Hardik that he’s not captain.
“At PBKS, he should look to regain his type as a batter, a bowler, and a finisher. There isn’t a doubt that he’s an awesome participant. So it is good that he’s not the captain. He can concentrate on his sport. Being an all-rounder and a captain is all of the harder,” Mohammad Kaif stated.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
