The proposed trade of Hardik Pandya from Mumbai Indians to Punjab Kings has moved significantly closer to formal completion. Both franchises have conveyed their intent to the BCCI, with the all-rounder's transfer expected to receive administrative approval within 24 to 72 hours, subject to standard formalities. In exchange for Hardik, Mumbai will receive fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, addressing the franchise's need to strengthen its bowling department after finishing ninth in IPL 2026.

Hardik's second stint with the franchise has been described as a torrid run. The all-rounder, who returned to Mumbai as captain in the 2024 season replacing Rohit Sharma, failed to guide the team to the playoffs in IPL 2026, prompting questions about his captaincy during the tournament. Speaking on his YouTube channel, former India batter Aakash Chopra offered his assessment of how Mumbai will cope with Hardik's departure.

"It's a serious attack. Will they miss Hardik? Kill me for saying this, they won't miss him as much. You know how much I like Hardik Pandya, but the truth is that they will manage. If you see their batting, Rohit Sharma comes with either Ryan Rickelton or Quinton de Kock. Then you have Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sherfane Rutherford to bat in the middle, and Naman Dhir. You have depth and quality in batting. You can now play Will Jacks easily," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra's assessment of Mumbai's batting depth without Hardik

Chopra's analysis centred on Mumbai's existing batting resources and the flexibility the franchise will gain through the trade. The former India batter highlighted the opening partnership options available to the team, alongside the middle-order strength provided by established names and emerging talent. He suggested that the addition of Will Jacks to the playing XI would become a realistic option once Hardik departed, indicating that the franchise's batting composition remains robust without the all-rounder.

Beyond Hardik's departure, Chopra suggested that Mumbai may also release Trent Boult ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, signalling potential further changes to the squad composition as the franchise looks to rebuild following a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign.