IPL 2027: Irfan Pathan backs Hardik Pandya’s move to PBKS but flags bowling issues after Arshdeep trade

Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh (Pic: File)

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Hardik Pandya's move to Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season will bolster their middle and lower-order batting, though he voiced concern over the franchise's bowling attack following Arshdeep Singh's departure.

Formally confirmed on Wednesday after days of intense speculation, the high-profile swap between Mumbai Indians (MI) and PBKS prompted Pathan to share his assessment on X. While praising Hardik Pandya's batting impact, he stressed that Punjab must replace Arshdeep and invest in a quality spinner.

"With this trade of Hardik, Punjab get a really good middle- and lower-order power hitter. Their batting line-up was already strong, but this makes them even stronger in that department. Their bowling is a real concern for me. They not only need to find a replacement for Arshdeep Singh but also need to invest in a good spinner going forward," he said.

Contrasting stints as Pandya and Arshdeep switch franchises

The deal concludes Pandya's second spell with MI, where he initially debuted in 2015 and lifted four IPL titles (2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020) before captaining Gujarat Titans (GT) to a maiden title in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023. Across 162 IPL appearances, he has amassed 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 alongside 82 wickets.

However, his three-season return as MI skipper proved underwhelming, yielding 647 runs across 35 innings at an average of 21.53 (best 48') and 29 wickets in 39 games at an average above 34. Under his leadership, Mumbai reached the 2025 playoffs but finished bottom and ninth in 2024 and 2026, respectively.

Conversely, Arshdeep joins MI after eight seasons with PBKS, leaving as the franchise's all-time leading wicket-taker with 111 scalps in 96 games since debuting in 2019.

Arshdeep's ability to make early breakthroughs with the new ball and deliver under pressure in the death overs has made him a key component of Punjab's bowling attack. He claimed 21 wickets in IPL 2025 and followed that with 14 wickets in the 2026 season.

His left-arm pace and ability to deliver across different phases of an innings will add considerable depth to MI's bowling attack. The left-arm pacer has a good record at Wankhede Stadium with an economy of just 8.

(With inputs from ANI)