Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has revealed that other IPL franchises confirmed curiosity in signing Hardik Pandya earlier than the all-rounder’s transfer from <a href="https://cricket.international/rohit-sharma-or-jasprit-bumrah-mumbai-indians-drops-huge-trace-on-hardik-pandyas-successor/" title="Rohit Sharma or Jasprit Bumrah? <a href="https://cricket.international/why-mumbai-indians-dropped-vishnu-vinod-from-hardik-pandya-arshdeep-singh-trade/" title="Why Mumbai Indians dropped Vishnu Vinod from Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade”>Mumbai Indians drops enormous trace on Hardik Pandya's successor”>Mumbai Indians was finalised. However, Punjab Kings remained agency on its plan to accumulate the India star through a trade involving Arshdeep Singh, with both franchises ultimately agreeing to the high-profile trade forward of IPL 2027.
Ness Wadia believes Hardik’s expertise and all-round capability might help Punjab Kings challenge for the title. He additionally made it clear that the franchise sees the all-rounder as a long-term addition fairly than a one-season investment.
Hardik Pandya joins Punjab Kings as Arshdeep Singh moves to Mumbai Indians
The trade brings an end to Hardik’s second stint with Mumbai Indians. He first joined the franchise in 2015 and became a key member of four IPL-winning campaigns in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. After seven seasons, he moved to Gujarat Titans in 2022 and captained them to the title of their debut campaign. GT reached another last in 2023 earlier than Hardik returned to Mumbai in 2024 as captain.
His second spell with MI proved tougher, and the franchise has now traded him to Punjab. Hardik will join PBKS for ₹18 crore, a rise from his previous ₹16.35 crore price.
Arshdeep, in the meantime, leaves the franchise the place he started his IPL profession in 2019. The left-arm pacer has taken 111 wickets in 96 matches and became Punjab’s main wicket-taker. He moves to Mumbai at his existing price of ₹18 crore, bringing his new-ball and death-over abilities to the five-time champions.
There was competition, frankly, but that did not trouble us – Ness Wadia
Ness Wadia described Hardik as a proven match-winner whose expertise might strengthen the Punjab dressing room. He additionally revealed that rival groups were , but Punjab had a clear situation for finishing the deal.
“He’s a world-class player. He has gained several trophies, including the IPL and ICC titles. He’s a premier all-rounder on the earth and brings a lot of expertise and knowledge. I feel he will likely be a wonderful asset to the workforce and, together with (head coach) Ricky (Ponting), will inspire the workforce and add super value,” the Punjab Kings co-owner advised Cricbuzz.
“There was competition, frankly, but that did not trouble us as a result of we were very clear about what we needed, and Mumbai were equally clear about what they needed. Others did present curiosity, but we were very clear that Arshdeep could be concerned only in a take care of Mumbai. I feel it was the identical with Mumbai. And, like I said, both franchises are blissful.”
Ness Wadia additionally confirmed that Punjab view the signing as a long-term transfer.
“Definitely long run. All of us want to win championships, and I feel Hardik will are available in and assist us obtain that purpose. This is not a short-term factor; we’re not just taking a look at one year.”
Like I said, I feel his expertise is invaluable – Ness Wadia
Addressing issues about Hardik Pandya’s harm history, Ness Wadia backed the all-rounder’s capability to make an impact with both bat and ball.
“Like I said, I feel his expertise is invaluable. He is likely one of the foremost gamers in T20 cricket. He’s nice within the field, brings super energy, and we are eager to keep him. From his perspective too, he has had a troublesome last couple of years with injuries and numerous other points. I feel you will notice a reinvigorated Hardik Pandya.”
Ness Wadia acknowledged that releasing Arshdeep was troublesome, given his long association with Punjab. He stated:
“Very, very troublesome. As I said, he’s a family man, and he has only played with us. But pay attention, on the end of the day, he has achieved what he has, and we are just blissful that he has reached the extent he has. I am sure we want him all happiness and success.”
Source: cricketaddictor.com
