Veteran Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been confirmed as the new Punjab Kings player ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The 33-year-old has played 162 games in the league since his debut in 2015.

He has also led Gujarat Titans for two seasons, with the team winning the title in 2022 and reaching the final a year later. He led Mumbai Indians for three seasons without success, as his only high point was making it to the playoffs in 2025. 

On completing the switch, Hardik took to his Instagram handle and confirmed that he will play under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy next season. The veteran star wrote, “Sat Sri Akal, Punjab. My Captain. Shreyas Iyer. My coach. Ricky Ponting, and my team: All of Punjab. I am standing behind you.”

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Sat Sri Akaal, ਪੰਜਾਬ♥️ pic.twitter.com/7wt1j4Sd6Q

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 11, 2026

When the cricketer made his IPL debut for MI in 2015, former Australian legend Ricky Ponting was the head coach.

The 2025 runners-up posted a special message for Arshdeep Singh, who went the other way. “From a young sher to a name that made Punjab proud, you will always have a home here. Arsh Paa.”

From a young sher to a name that made Punjab proud ❤️

You'll always have a home here, Arsh paa 🫶 pic.twitter.com/mndi0tHTWi

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 11, 2026

Franchise also posted a series of tweets capturing the player's journey from 2019 to 2026, during which he played 96 games and took over 100 wickets. “Some laughs, endless memories and a whole lot of madness. Thank you Arsh for the memories.”

Some laughs, endless memories and a whole lot of madness!

Thank you, Arsh for the memories. ❤️🫶 pic.twitter.com/AdTkYuzaeL

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) November 11, 2026

Former India coach reacts to Hardik Pandya's move to PBKS

Ravi Shastri said the Baroda-born star can expect positive things after his move to Punjab. “When he is fit and ready to play, he is one of the best in T20 cricket. He is a match-winner," he said.

“He might be charged up to perform as he hasn't been in action for a while. He could be eager to give his best and show what he is capable of.” The veteran star is still recuperating from a host of injuries and hasn't played since the IPL 2026 season.