It has been reported widely across different platforms that the Mumbai Indians (MI) could finalize a deal with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to secure the services of the star Team India pacer Arshdeep Singh, in exchange for Hardik Pandya. As the possible deal between those two franchises remains a rumour, it has become a topic of discussion whether trading out Pandya will be the right call for the Mumbai Indians.

Amid all of the speculation, former India National Cricket Team head coach Ravi Shastri mentioned that if Hardik Pandya plays for the Punjab Kings or any other franchise in the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL), he will be desperate to prove his worth.

Hardik Pandya could join Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2027

Since the conclusion of the previous IPL season, Hardik Pandya has been out of service because of repeated injury and fitness-related issues. The pace-bowling all-rounder, arguably the best pace-bowling all-rounder in India to date, is yet to get his fitness clearance from BCCI's medical team after proving his fitness at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pandya has already missed multiple series for the national team, but he is expected to be in action during the IPL 2027 season.

Ahead of the mini auction for the 2027 IPL season, when multiple franchises have already pulled off some deals, questions are looming over Pandya's future in the league. Since rejoining Mumbai Indian ahead of the IPL 2024 season as captain, Hardik Pandya sustained back-to-back bad patches both as in indivual perfromer and the captain of the team.

Ravi Shastri is hopeful about Hardik Pandya

Despite a series of lackluster seasons, Ravi Shastri still trusts the 33-year-old. On a Sony Sports segment, Ravi Shastri said that the all-rounder, who has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.29 in 150 IPL innings and bagged 82 wickets at an economy rate of 9.36 in 116 innings, will be the best in the business.

"Wherever he goes, if he is fully fit, he is the best in the business in T20 cricket and a genuine match-winner. He has not played cricket for a while. He might just be charged up to come out there and show what he is capable of," Shastri said.

Arshdeep Singh will be very useful in Mumbai: Ravi Shastri

Like most cricket fans, Ravi Shastri also heard about the possible trade deal involving Arshdeep Singh and Hardik. The former Indian cricketer felt that if the deal happens, then it will be beneficial for both teams.

"I am hearing. How much of it is true, whether it's rumors, you don't know, but if that swap happens, it will be a good one for both teams. Hardik has played under Ricky Ponting, who is the coach at the Punjab Kings," Ravi Shastri responded.

"Arshdeep will be very useful in Mumbai for the Mumbai Indians because he will get some swing there, like Boult used to. Boult was an integral part of the Mumbai Indians side. So I would imagine it would be a straight swap," he continued.

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