![Hardik and Arshdeep were booked for 18 crore INR in the trade exchange [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794390778789_MIPBKStradewinner.jpg?type=hq)
Hardik and Arshdeep were booked for 18 crore INR in the trade exchange [Source: AFP]
The Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh trade between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings has been the talk of the town ever since the deal was confirmed by the franchises officially on November 11. The massive exchange was rumoured for several weeks before it finally materialised, as Hardik was roped in for INR 18 crore by the Shreyas Iyer-led team.
While PBKS opted for a seam-bowling all-rounder, Mumbai chose Arshdeep, the current in-form left-arm pacer, who will also receive INR 18 crore after the exchange. Now, commenting on the trade, former England veteran Kevin Pietersen has declared who has actually won the deal between the two franchises.
Pietersen declares Mumbai Indians as winner of Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh IPL 2027 trade
While the salary slips weren't a thing for consideration, given both players will receive the same fee, Pietersen decided which team bagged more value for the money they are paying.
Taking to his official Twitter handle, Pietersen wrote just one line without further explanation to declare the winner of the MI-PBKS IPL 2027 trade.
“Mumbai Indians might have won that trade”, Pietersen wrote on his wall on November 11, 2026.
Known for his commentary stints, Pietersen keeps good interest in the Indian Premier League and yet refused to share any explanation however, there are a few angles based on which Pietersen might have revealed his opinion on the internet.
Why did Pietersen choose Arshdeep to be a better deal than Hardik Pandya?
Azmatullah Omarzai, Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh provide generous pace-bowling all-rounder options for Punjab Kings; however, the ability that Hardik Pandya brings to the table is unmatched. A consistent bowler who has the ability to trouble batters with his variations and also big-hitting prospects as a finisher is a dangerous asset that PBKS has booked.
However, it is also important to note that Pandya has been out of shape since 2026. He last played in IPL 2026, bagging an average of 22.89 with the bat and 4 wickets with the ball from the 10 matches he played. Hence, given his injury concerns and low consistency, he might prove to be a risky trade for PBKS.
On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh is in sensational form, picking wickets regularly since IPL 2026, where he scalped 14 wickets at an economy rate of 10.21.
Also, MI only has three experienced pace options at hand in the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar. Hence, by bagging Arshdeep, they have secured another experienced, in-form pace bowler for the lineup who will also not take up an overseas slot.
