Hardik Pandya's latest IPL move has brought his career full circle, but former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the all-rounder made the wrong decision when he left Gujarat Titans for Mumbai Indians in 2024. Hardik had enjoyed a remarkable two-year spell with Gujarat, leading the franchise to the IPL title in its debut season before taking it to another final in 2023.

The all-rounder will now represent Punjab Kings after Mumbai traded him to the franchise in exchange for Arshdeep Singh ahead of IPL 2027. With Shreyas Iyer continuing as Punjab's captain, Hardik is also set to take on a different role from the one he held during his second stint at Mumbai. Kaif feels the change could help him concentrate on his performances.

Hardik Pandya joins Punjab Kings as his third IPL team

Hardik Pandya began his IPL career with Mumbai Indians in 2015. Initially picked as a relatively unknown all-rounder, he developed into an important part of the franchise's middle order and bowling attack. He spent seven seasons with MI, winning four titles in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020.

His performances, particularly his aggressive finishing and ability to contribute with the ball, established him as one of the league's leading all-rounders. However, Mumbai released him ahead of the 2022 season, allowing Gujarat Titans to bring him into their squad as captain.

The move proved successful immediately. Hardik led GT to the trophy in their first IPL campaign in 2022, finishing the season with 487 runs and eight wickets. Gujarat maintained their strong run in 2023, reaching the final before losing to Chennai Super Kings. Hardik scored 346 runs and picked up three wickets that season.

After two successful years, Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 and replaced Rohit Sharma as captain. However, his second stint did not produce the same results as his first. MI finished at the bottom of the table in 2024, reached the playoffs in 2025 and ended the 2026 campaign in ninth place.

Mumbai have now traded him to Punjab Kings for Arshdeep Singh. Hardik will join PBKS for ₹18 crore, an increase from his previous fee of ₹16.35 crore, while Arshdeep moves to Mumbai at his existing fee of ₹18 crore. The deal makes Punjab the third IPL franchise of Hardik's career.

It was a blunder by Hardik to leave GT - Mohammad Kaif

Reacting to the trade, Mohammad Kaif questioned Hardik's decision to leave Gujarat Titans after establishing himself as the team's leader. The former India batter suggested that his emotional connection with Mumbai may have influenced the move, but believes the switch affected his performances and captaincy.

"It was a blunder by Hardik to leave GT. I think it was an emotional call. He had a connection with MI, and maybe that drew him back. It is always a tough call. You made GT champions and were the king there. But that decision hurt him. He went backwards in his performance and captaincy. It would be better for him to forget the second part with MI as soon as he can and move forward," Mohammad Kaif stated in a video on his YouTube channel.

It will be good for Hardik that he is not captain - Mohammad Kaif

At Punjab Kings, Hardik Pandya will play under Shreyas Iyer, who led the franchise to the IPL 2025 final and remains its captain. Kaif believes that not having leadership duties could work in the all-rounder's favour, particularly after the challenges of captaining Mumbai.

"Many players want captaincy. But a lot of them do not perform well under the pressure of captaincy. It is not everybody's cup of tea. It is even more difficult in the IPL anyway. It will be good for Hardik that he is not captain.

"At PBKS, he should look to regain his form as a batter, a bowler, and a finisher. There is no doubt that he is a great player. So it is good that he is not the captain. He can focus on his game. Being an all-rounder and a captain is all the more difficult," Mohammad Kaif stated.