Deal finalized: Arshdeep Singh is joining Mumbai Indians, Hardik moves to Punjab
Arshdeep's father admitted that there was some disappointment about leaving his home franchise, but added that the family was also happy about the prospect of joining the Mumbai Indians. However, the move will be officially announced only after receiving approval from the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council.
Photo Courtesy – Facebook
XtraTime Web Desk
Arshdeep Singh is set to leave Punjab and join the Mumbai Indians, with his father confirming that the deal has been finalised. For the past few days, reports had been doing the rounds about a potential swap deal between Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya involving the Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. The news was confirmed by Arshdeep's father on Tuesday, just as India's third ODI against New Zealand was washed out. The Indian fast bowler is currently in New Zealand with the national team.
Arshdeep's father admitted that there was some disappointment about leaving his home franchise, but added that the family was also happy about the prospect of joining the Mumbai Indians. However, the move will be officially announced only after receiving approval from the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council.
With Arshdeep heading to Mumbai, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh could become the two pillars of the Mumbai Indians' bowling attack. On the other hand, Punjab Kings will benefit from Hardik Pandya's all-round abilities following his move to the franchise.
Arshdeep has spent his entire IPL career with Punjab so far. He made his IPL debut for the franchise in 2019 and has established himself as one of the tournament's finest bowlers, picking up 111 wickets in 96 matches. His ability to generate swing with the new ball and deliver accurate yorkers in the death overs will give Mumbai an additional dimension in their bowling attack.
The big question now is whether Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar will also continue with the Mumbai Indians alongside Bumrah and Arshdeep. It is still unclear whether the franchise will retain either of them. However, with Arshdeep's arrival strengthening their Indian pace attack, Mumbai will have greater flexibility when it comes to selecting overseas players.
Meanwhile, Hardik's move to Punjab will provide Shreyas Iyer with another seam-bowling option, along with adding firepower to the middle order. Shreyas Iyer is expected to continue as the captain of Punjab Kings, with Hardik joining the franchise as a player rather than taking over the leadership role.
