New Delhi, November 7: Mumbai Indians (MI) are reportedly preparing to trade their all-rounder Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in exchange for left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season, according to a report by Cricinfo.

The proposed deal is currently being worked out, with both franchises having submitted expressions of interest to the IPL. The next step involves obtaining written consent from the two players, which is expected within the next 24 hours. This will be followed by final negotiations between the franchises before the trade can receive official approval from the IPL.

According to the report, discussions between Hardik and the Mumbai Indians management have been underway since the latter stages of IPL 2026. The all-rounder subsequently expressed his desire to leave the franchise, prompting MI to explore possible trade arrangements with several teams, barring Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

If completed, the trade would significantly strengthen Mumbai's pace-bowling resources. Arshdeep could form a formidable Indian pace combination with Jasprit Bumrah, addressing one of the team's major concerns after a disappointing ninth-place finish in IPL 2026.

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Mumbai's overseas fast bowler Trent Boult also struggled during the previous season, featuring in just five matches. The New Zealand pacer's release remains a possibility, while Arshdeep's potential arrival would give MI an experienced Indian left-arm option capable of bowling across different phases of an innings.

Arshdeep has been associated with Punjab Kings since making his IPL debut in 2019. He has claimed 111 wickets in 96 matches at an economy rate of 9.18. A move to Mumbai would mark his first appearance for another franchise in the tournament.

For Hardik, the proposed switch would be his second franchise move in three years. Mumbai brought him back from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024 through an all-cash deal and subsequently appointed him captain, replacing Rohit Sharma.

However, his leadership tenure at Mumbai has been inconsistent. MI finished at the bottom of the standings in 2024, reached the playoffs in 2025 and endured another disappointing campaign in 2026.

In 39 matches as Mumbai Indians captain, Hardik registered 15 victories and 24 defeats, giving him a win-loss ratio of 0.625. In contrast, his record at Gujarat Titans was considerably stronger, with 22 victories and nine defeats in 31 matches, translating into a ratio of 2.444.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have also restructured their coaching department ahead of IPL 2027. Kieron Pollard has taken over as head coach, with Robin Uthappa appointed batting coach, Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach and T Dilip as fielding coach.

If the proposed trade materialises, it could represent a significant shift in the composition of both squads. Mumbai would add an established Indian fast bowler to their attack, while Punjab Kings would potentially acquire Hardik's all-round abilities and leadership experience.