Dubai: Hardik Pandya will earn Rs 1.65 crore (Dh 647,770) more at Punjab Kings (PBKS) after Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Punjab-based franchise completed a player swap ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The trade brings an end to Hardik’s second stint with Mumbai, the franchise where he began his IPL career in 2015. He will now represent his third team in the competition, having also played for and captained Gujarat Titans (GT) for two seasons after the league expanded to 10 teams in 2022.

Hardik won four IPL titles with Mumbai before adding another with Gujarat in 2022. His return to MI in 2024, however, did not bring the expected results consistently. The franchise finished last in his first season as captain, reached the playoffs in 2025 and then slipped to ninth in 2026.

In 39 matches under his leadership since 2024, Mumbai won 15 and lost 24. His departure leaves the five-time champions looking for a new captain ahead of the next campaign.

The swap also comes during a major overhaul of Mumbai’s coaching and management structure. Kieron Pollard has taken over as head coach, replacing Mahela Jayawardene, while Robin Uthappa, Mitchell McClenaghan and T Dilip have been appointed batting, bowling and fielding coaches respectively.

With Hardik moving to Punjab, the franchise will have a new captaincy decision to make. For PBKS, his arrival adds an experienced allrounder and a five-time IPL champion to their squad as they prepare for the 2027 season.