'Blunder': Ex-India Star Delivers Blunt Verdict On Hardik Pandya's GT Exit After PBKS Trade

Hardik Pandya Trade: Hardik Pandya stepping in a non-captaincy role in the IPL could prove beneficial for his career, according to former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif. However, the ex-Indian batsman believes the all-rounder made a costly mistake when he left Gujarat Titans to rejoin Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 season.

Hardik enjoyed a memorable beginning with Gujarat, guiding the newcomers to the IPL trophy in their inaugural campaign in 2022 before taking them to another final a year later. His move back to Mumbai brought a different set of challenges, and Kaif feels the decision affected both his individual performances and leadership.

"It was a blunder by Hardik to leave GT. I think it was an emotional call. He had a connection with MI, and maybe that drew him back. It is always a tough call. You made GT champions and were the king there, but that decision hurt him." "He went backwards in his performance and captaincy.

It would be better for him to forget the second part with MI as soon as he can and move forward," Hardik Pandya is set for another change after Mumbai traded him to Punjab Kings for Arshdeep Singh ahead of IPL 2027. With Shreyas Iyer expected to continue as PBKS captain, the India all-rounder is likely to operate without leadership responsibilities.

Kaif believes that could take pressure off the 32-year-old. "Many players want captaincy. But a lot of them do not perform well under the pressure of captaincy. It is not everybody's cup of tea. It is even more difficult in the IPL anyway.

It will be good for Hardik that he is not captain." "At PBKS, he should look to regain his form as a batter, a bowler, and a finisher. There is no doubt that he is a great player. So it is good that he is not the captain.

He can focus on his game. Being an all-rounder and a captain is all the more difficult," The exchange is the most expensive player trade in IPL history. Hardik moves to Punjab for Rs 18 crore, up from his previous Rs 16.35 crore deal, while Arshdeep joins Mumbai at his existing Rs 18 crore fee.

Kaif believes it was a blunder and an emotional call for Hardik to leave GT, where he was a successful captain. This decision negatively impacted his individual performance and leadership during his time with MI. Hardik Pandya is moving to Punjab Kings for IPL 2027 after being traded from Mumbai Indians.

He is expected to play without captaincy responsibilities, allowing him to focus on his game. Kaif believes not being captain will benefit Hardik by reducing pressure. It allows him to focus on regaining his form as a batter, bowler, and finisher, as captaincy is challenging, especially for an all-rounder in the IPL.

Hardik Pandya moved to Punjab Kings for Rs 18 crore, an increase from his previous Rs 16.35 crore deal. This exchange is noted as the most expensive player trade in IPL history. Suyash Sahay is a sports journalist at ABP Live English, specialising in cricket and football.

He brings sharp insight, breaking down matches, moments, and narratives in a way that resonates with fans. For any tips and queries, you can reach out to him at suyashs@abpnetwork.com.