Former Indian opener and commentator Aakash Chopra shared his views on the potential Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings ahead of the IPL 2027 retention deadline.
Speaking on JioStar’s Game Plan, JioStar expert Chopra asserted that PBKS would be weakening their bowling attack by trading Arshdeep to MI, adding that there should be enough quality bowlers to replace Arshdeep in the PBKS squad.
“If you have made up your mind to let go of Arshdeep, then you’re not addressing that problem. You’re not strengthening that department. Arshdeep Singh, all said and done, took 21 wickets in 17 matches in 2025 at an economy of 8.9. This year, he was expensive, no doubt, but he still took 14 wickets in 14 matches, with an economy over 10. But these days, when 200 is the norm, 10 is still acceptable. So, to be able to let him go, there should be enough quality bowlers to replace him as well and bowling is still their weaker suit,” Chopra said.
On PBKS getting in touch with Gujarat Titans (GT) for a possible trade that could benefit both teams, Chopra stated that the Punjab-based franchise should aim to have a fast bowler like Ashok Sharma or Gurnoor Brar from the Titans.
“They should get in conversation with Gujarat Titans, actually. Give Nehal Wadhera or Shashank Singh or Suryansh Shedge, one of these middle-order, lower-middle-order batters which GT want, and take a fast bowler from them. They’ve got a plethora of them, a factory of fast bowlers. Maybe an Ashok Sharma or even a Gurnoor Brar; they’ve got plenty to actually dispense with,” he added.
“Punjab can let go of a couple of these middle-order batters, which not all teams have the luxury of. A lower-middle-order Indian batter is a rare commodity. It’s just Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh. Where do you get them easily? These people have them, and what they don’t have are the pace bowlers. So, they should go and talk to GT,” he concluded.
