Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has described the franchise's decision to trade Arshdeep Singh for Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027 as a difficult but mutually beneficial move, admitting that parting ways with the India fast bowler after eight years was an emotional decision.

In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Wadia opened up about the discussions behind the blockbuster trade, Hardik's fitness and mental state, Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, Punjab's squad combination and the possibility of an extended IPL window.

HARDIK-ARSHDEEP TRADE WAS A MONTH-LONG DISCUSSION

Wadia revealed that the trade between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians had been in the works for approximately a month before receiving approval from the BCCI. He described it as a mutual decision, with both franchises keen on completing the exchange.

"I think everyone is happy with the deal. Mumbai are happy, we are happy, and our captain Shreyas is happy. Ricky Ponting and Hardik have worked together in the past. Overall, I think it is a win-win for both franchises," Wadia told Sports Today.

While Punjab secured the services of five-time IPL winner Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh moved to Mumbai Indians after spending eight years with the Punjab franchise. Wadia admitted that letting go of Arshdeep was particularly difficult, given how the left-arm pacer had developed from a young player into a world-class bowler during his time with the team.

He described Arshdeep as a wonderful human being and a tremendous performer, adding that he was happy to see one of the league's most successful franchises recognise the fast bowler's value.

Wadia also stressed that the decision was not driven by any individual but was the result of a collective effort involving everyone at the franchise. He said Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, captain Shreyas Iyer and the coaching staff were all happy with the outcome.

"I am very happy for him because, at the end of the day, this shows his tremendous value. One of the best and most successful franchises in the league wanted him. We were fortunate enough to meet and get Hardik as well, so I wish Arshdeep all the best. I am sure he will do very well for Mumbai, and I am happy for him," Wadia said.

"I am sad that he is leaving after eight years, but one has to be happy that one has seen someone grow, evolve, succeed and move on to greater pastures in life."

SHREYAS IYER TO REMAIN PUNJAB KINGS CAPTAIN

One of the biggest questions surrounding Hardik's arrival was whether the all-rounder's proven leadership credentials could lead to a change in Punjab's captaincy.

However, Wadia put those questions to rest, making it clear that Shreyas Iyer would continue to lead the franchise.

"There is only one sarpanch," Wadia said, underlining that there had been no discussion about replacing Shreyas with Hardik.

He also suggested that playing under Shreyas could allow Hardik to focus more on his performances rather than take on the additional responsibilities that come with captaincy.

Wadia pointed to the existing relationships within the franchise as an important factor behind the move. Hardik has previously worked with head coach Ricky Ponting and shares a close relationship with Shreyas. He added that the involvement of the captain, coach and management made the trade a collective decision.

HARDIK’S FITNESS, MENTAL STATE AND RETURN TIMELINE

Wadia also addressed concerns surrounding Hardik's fitness, particularly after the all-rounder had not featured in international cricket since the previous IPL season.

He confirmed that Hardik had recently suffered a minor shin niggle but was recovering. Wadia expressed confidence that the all-rounder would return to competitive cricket well before the start of IPL 2027.

The Punjab co-owner also spoke about Hardik's mental well-being, revealing that he had personally spoken to the player and found him to be in a very good mental space.

According to Wadia, Hardik was calm and excited about joining Punjab Kings. He emphasised the importance of making players feel respected, loved and appreciated, adding that the franchise wanted Hardik to consider Punjab his home for many years rather than view the move as a one-season arrangement.

"At the end of the day, everyone wants to be respected, loved and appreciated. As I told Hardik, this is your home. This is where we want you to be for many more years. We are not looking at just one year," Wadia said.

"At the end of the day, this is your franchise and your team. He was excited, and so are we."

Wadia also backed Hardik's quality despite what he described as two relatively difficult seasons, insisting that his recent performances had not influenced Punjab's decision to bring him on board.

He highlighted Hardik's ambitions of performing well, representing India and succeeding on the international stage.

PUNJAB CONFIDENT DESPITE ARSHDEEP SINGH'S DEPARTURE

Arshdeep's exit leaves Punjab Kings without one of their most dependable fast bowlers, particularly given his ability to bowl across different phases of an innings.

However, Wadia expressed confidence in the existing bowling resources and indicated that the franchise would assess its options during the auction.

He named Yash Thakur, Vaibhav Arora, Harpreet Brar and Marco Jansen among the players Punjab could rely on, while also pointing to the availability of international bowling options such as Xavier Bartlett.

Wadia acknowledged the growing dominance of batting in modern T20 cricket, pointing to increasingly high scores and the difficult conditions bowlers have been operating in. However, he maintained that bowling remained an important part of the team's plans.

He also expressed optimism about Punjab's overall squad combination, suggesting that the franchise was moving in the right direction as it continued its pursuit of a maiden IPL title.

WADIA BACKS PUNJAB'S ALL-ROUNDER-HEAVY SQUAD

Punjab Kings have built a squad featuring several players capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Hardik's arrival adds another established all-rounder to that mix.

Asked whether the team needed more specialist players, Wadia said the modern game demanded flexibility. He acknowledged the importance of specialists but argued that having players who could contribute in multiple departments offered teams greater options.

He pointed out that the increasing dominance of batting meant teams needed players who could adapt to different match situations.

"Time will tell. Listen, it is always good to have specialists, but I think the game has become so flexible today that one needs that flexibility.

"I remember how often people used to say that you need all-rounders. I think we are slowly moving towards that because the game has become more batting-dominated than bowling-dominated, for sure," Wadia said.

"Some of the scores these players put up are baffling, and the strike rates they go at are incredible. It is tough for a bowler."

"I think one needs all-rounders. One also needs specialists in certain areas, but I am not convinced that you need full-time specialists everywhere," Wadia added.

Wadia also named Cooper Connolly, Harpreet Brar, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Hardik Pandya and Shashank Singh while discussing Punjab's all-rounder resources.

He suggested that the franchise was reasonably well placed in terms of squad balance but indicated that the auction would provide an opportunity to strengthen specific areas.

MORE PLAYER TRADES POSSIBLE BEFORE IPL 2027 AUCTION

When asked whether Punjab Kings were done with their trading business, Wadia refused to rule out further moves.

He said trades in the IPL could happen until the final moment, adding that the franchise remained open to opportunities that benefited both teams involved.

Wadia indicated that several conversations were taking place between franchises and that Punjab would consider any deal that made cricketing sense.

He also revealed that the franchise was working on finalising changes to its support staff, with some positions expected to be filled within the week. Retentions were another immediate priority, with the deadline approaching.

WADIA BACKS LONGER IPL WINDOW, SUPPORTS JANUARY SCHEDULE

Apart from Punjab's squad plans, Wadia also shared his thoughts on the growing debate around extending the IPL calendar.

He backed the views expressed by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Juhi Chawla, who have called for a larger window for the tournament, with January emerging as a possible scheduling option.

Wadia said an extended window would benefit players, pointing to the challenges posed by increasing heat and rain during recent IPL seasons. He also highlighted the workload on cricketers who arrive at the tournament after completing domestic commitments or international assignments for their respective countries.

While he admitted that fitting the IPL into January would depend on the international and domestic cricket calendars, he described the idea as a positive step.

Wadia stressed that the first priority should be securing an extended window for the league, allowing scope for more matches. He also referred to the possibility of fulfilling the BCCI's earlier promise of a longer IPL window, potentially spanning three months.

However, he acknowledged that any such change would require discussions and agreement among the various stakeholders involved.

- Ends