Former South African captain AB de Villiers has shed light on Arshdeep Singh-Hardik Pandya trade ahead of IPL 2027 auction. The trade is near completion and it is expected to be confirmed shortly. AB said both players could not perform as per the expectations for their respective franchises in the previous season and thus they are being traded.
According to the latest reports, Hardik Pandya and Punjab Kings’ Arshdeep Singh could be swapped. In addition, Punjab Kings will also trade out wicket-keeper batsman Vishnu Vinod to Mumbai Indians.
Under Pandya, Mumbai Indians have managed to qualify for the playoffs on a solitary occasion in the last three seasons. After the conclusion of IPL 2026, it has been reported on multiple occasions that Pandya could part ways with MI.
“Hardik at Punjab will be interesting. It makes sense to me, if this trade does take place. I can see Arshdeep playing a huge role with that new ball at the Wankhede. With Hardik and his leadership qualities, the way he finishes, and if he can bowl a few overs, a wonderful all-rounder. I think Arshdeep had a relatively quiet season last year. Same with Hardik. So that’s probably why both teams are letting them go,” AB de Villiers said in a video on his YouTube channel.
The former RCB batter added that Hardik Pandya is a pure match winner if he is in form and PBKS will look to get the best out of him.
He added, “Hardik just has to get in form. Had a disappointing time with Mumbai. Punjab will be hoping to find that energy from him again. Find that rhythm and form that we are used to seeing. The dangerous death-hitting batter and that smart bowler who can always find a way to break a big partnership, that is his role when he was playing good cricket.”
AB further added that Arshdeep Singh can fill in the big shoes of Trent Boult, who is in the fag end of his career.
“It is quite exciting for Mumbai to get Arshdeep in. This might be one area, you know, Trent Boult may be getting towards the backend of his career, he can be the replacement, or if both of them can play together, it is a bonus. Arshdeep’s death bowling skills have not been as explosive in the past while, so he will want to work on that. Wankhede is not ideal for death bowlers. So as much as he will be excited about the move, there is the worry about the death overs,” he said.
IPL 2027 auction will be held in Goa in mid-December.
