A blockbuster trade before the IPL 2027 auction saw the Mumbai Indians (MI) get Arshdeep Singh while trading Hardik Pandya to the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Although Punjab's batting has been bolstered by the arrival of Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, they have also parted ways with Arshdeep Singh, one of their most reliable fast bowlers.

Ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his views on the high-profile swap, pointing out what Hardik's arrival brings to Punjab while expressing concerns about their bowling attack after Arshdeep's exit.

Irfan Pathan noted that adding Hardik would give Punjab a much-needed power-hitting option in the middle and lower order.

"With this trade of Hardik, Punjab gets 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," Pathan wrote on X.  

Hardik will join Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore, an increase from his earlier retention fee of Rs 16.35 crore. Arshdeep, on the other hand, will head to the Mumbai Indians at his current fee of Rs 18 crore. Hardik's addition brings substantial experience and firepower to Punjab's batting lineup.

Hardik has played 162 IPL matches, scoring 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 while picking up 82 wickets. 

Earlier, Pathan had also highlighted how the acquisition of Arshdeep could significantly strengthen Mumbai Indians' bowling attack.

"The trade of Arshdeep Singh makes Mumbai Indians a much stronger side. It allows them to use Jasprit Bumrah even more effectively and also has a positive impact on their overseas slots," he wrote on X.  

Arshdeep Singh brings the experience of 111 wickets in 96 IPL appearances. His capacity to produce breakthroughs with the new ball and perform at the death turned him into a vital component of the team's bowling attack.