Punjab’s Pandya Play

Given his breathtaking numbers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), coupled with his unique ability to single-handedly win 20-over matches with bat or ball, or even his leadership – oftentimes all three firing together – Hardik Pandya should have been an untradeable IPL asset. Like Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings, Jasprit Bumrah at Mumbai Indians.

Yet, on November 11, after days of unconfirmed rumours, official news broke that the Mumbai Indians captain has been traded to Punjab Kings for the upcoming season, in exchange for the left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh. And thus comes to an end a most turbulent second stint at the franchise where Pandya’s genius was first discovered.

This stint lasted three seasons, with the all-rounder returning as the newly crowned champion-captain with Gujarat Titans, who Pandya led to the title in their very first season. But there was no red carpet rolled out for his return to the Mumbai camp as leader, for the fans did not appreciate Rohit Sharma’s overnight loss of captaincy, considering that he had led MI to the title a record five times.

So, Pandya was met with boos and jeers at the Wankhede right through 2024, and MI finished dead-last on the table. Things looked less bleak in 2025, when Mumbai qualified for the playoffs, but no further. Then, in 2026, in what will be seen as his last act as MI leader, the 33-year-old oversaw his team finishing second from bottom, the proverbial final nail in his coffin.

But strip away the scrutiny, Pandya will most likely find his feet quickly with last year's finalists, PBKS. Here is, after all, a legend who has scored 2,955 runs (at a strike rate of 146.29!) and claimed 82 wickets in 162 IPL appearances, easily among the best specialist all-rounders seen in the history of the tournament.

What makes Pandya such an intriguing proposition is that, even in his mid-thirties, he remains a genuine power-hitter who can clear the ropes at will, a seam bowler capable of delivering crucial breakthroughs and, perhaps most importantly, a cricketer who thrives on the big occasion. Trophyless Punjab will do well to cash in on his wealth of experience, big-match temperament and the kind of all-round nous that could prove invaluable in their pursuit of a maiden title.

Having been traded yet again, Pandya too would like to prove a point with a sixth star on his badge.