New Delhi, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have moved ahead in the race to secure India all-rounder Hardik Pandya through a trade deal with Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the November 17 retention deadline for IPL 2027, according to sources tracking the development.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have also shown interest in Pandya. However, PBKS are understood to have made the most progress, with verbal discussions between the two teams’ top management reportedly at an advanced stage.
“Yes, this is true that as of now, Punjab Kings have their noses ahead to get Pandya. If all falls in place, as per the verbal discussions between the top management of the two teams, the formal paperwork to complete Pandya’s trade can start soon and then the approval from the IPL officials will be sought,” a source told IANS.
Under the proposed deal, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod are likely to move to MI in exchange for Pandya. Vinod was part of MI in IPL 2023 and played four matches for the franchise.
KKR had also held advanced talks with MI but were unwilling to release their core players. RR reportedly explored a proposal involving Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi, while LSG’s efforts made little progress. Chennai Super Kings had also shown initial interest.
A successful trade would give Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS an experienced all-rounder, while MI would gain a frontline Indian left-arm fast bowler and another wicketkeeping option.
“If somehow the MI-PBKS trade talks don’t materialise, Pandya will not mind playing another year at MI, possibly under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, before the mega auction happens next year,” another source told IANS.
PBKS are also understood to be exploring a separate swap involving left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan and Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, should the Pandya deal go through.
Pandya led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022 before returning to MI through an all-cash trade ahead of the 2024 season. His three seasons as MI captain brought mixed results, with the team finishing fourth in 2025, last in 2024 and ninth in 2026.
His fitness remains a concern, as he has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2026 due to a series of injuries. A shin problem also kept him out of India A’s one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry in October.
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