Delhi:Before IPL 2027, the trade of Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings has become official. Hardik has now become a part of Punjab Kings, while Arshdeep will be seen playing for Mumbai Indians. BCCI has approved the exchange of both the players. Punjab will pay Rs 18 crore to Hardik, while Arshdeep will join Mumbai only for a fee of Rs 18 crore. In IPL 2026, Pandya received Rs 16.35 crore from MI. That means his income has increased after coming to Punjab.

The biggest question after this trade is that why did Mumbai let go of Hardik, who was captaining the team for the last three seasons? His captaincy record is being considered a major reason behind this.

Hardik's record was bad under the captaincy of Mumbai

Let us tell you that Hardik Pandya left Gujarat Titans and returned to Mumbai Indians in 2024. The franchise made him the captain in place of veteran Rohit Sharma. However, under his captaincy the team could not perform as expected.

In 2024, Mumbai finished last in the points table, reached the playoffs in 2025, while in 2026 the team's performance was again shameful.

Under the captaincy of Hardik, Mumbai played 39 matches, out of which they won 15 and lost 24. His win-loss ratio was 0.625, which is the worst among any captain who has captained in at least 30 IPL matches.

In contrast, Hardik's record with Gujarat Titans was excellent. Under his captaincy, Gujarat registered 22 wins in 31 matches and also won the title in 2022.

Shreyas Iyer will handle the captaincy in Punjab

After Hardik joined Punjab Kings, discussion has also started regarding his captaincy. However, under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the team has performed well in the last two seasons. Under his captaincy, Punjab was successful in reaching the finals in 2025.

In such a situation, Shreyas is expected to remain the captain. Hardik's experience and all-round performance can be very important for the team. Punjab has not been able to win the IPL title till now and will expect help from Hardik to end this wait.

Arshdeep Singh will bowl with Bumrah

Mumbai Indians have tried to strengthen their fast bowling by adding Arshdeep Singh. The team needed a new ball along with Jasprit Bumrah and a bowler who could take wickets in the death overs. Arshdeep fits this role.

Arshdeep made his IPL debut for Punjab Kings in 2019. He has taken 111 wickets in 96 matches so far and is the most successful bowler of Punjab. IPL 2027 will be the first season of his career, in which he will play for any other franchise other than Punjab. Now Mumbai will expect him to support Bumrah and strengthen the bowling attack.