Punjab Kings, who were the finalists in TATA IPL 2025, missed out on a playoff spot last season and would be keen to go all the way in the 20th edition of the tournament. Speaking on JioStar’s Game Plan ahead of TATA IPL 2027 Retentions, JioStar experts Abhinav Mukund and Aakash Chopra shared their thoughts on the implications of a potential Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade, PBKS’ bowling concerns and a possible trade with GT that could benefit both teams.

Speaking on JioStar’s Game Plan, JioStar expert Abhinav Mukund weighed in on the potential trade between MI and PBKS and its possible implications:

"It is very interesting because when you look back at the mega auction, they chose to spend a bulk of their money on three big players like Arshdeep, Shreyas and Chahal. So, if you don't have faith in that core and want a better core to be retained, that's where the all-rounder question comes in. So, if you go with the speculation, obviously, it's a fact that Arshdeep Singh has been offered for Hardik Pandya. It's a great deal for Mumbai, but it's also a questionable deal for Punjab Kings because if Hardik comes to Punjab, does he play as just an all-rounder? Because I would think that he would play under Shreyas Iyer. So, there is that team dynamics question as well. Once again, is he okay with it? Has Shreyas had conversations about it? These are all things done behind closed doors. But, to be fair, that does a lot to the makeup of that side, and I have a feeling that they will definitely let go of Marcus Stoinis if he comes in.”

On the reports of PBKS trading a bowler from LSG:

"The rumour mill that we have is saying that Marcus Stoinis could be traded and Mohsin Khan is what we're hearing could be up for trade from LSG. But again, Mohsin's fitness has been a concern. He's never been fit for an entire season apart from the first one, probably. In his place, Shami could actually be a good trade, back to Punjab. LSG could do without Shami because they have multiple pace bowlers.”

On Suryansh Shedge:

"You are playing with a bunch of all-rounders in an Impact Player game and not as many specialist bowlers. We'll have to wait and see what happens with these trades. Because if Hardik's trade happens, I'm very curious to see how Suryansh would react. This is a guy who's now playing for India A as an all-rounder, playing for India as an all-rounder, and is looked at as the next in line after maybe Nitish Reddy, Shivam Dube and then him. So, clearly, he must be thinking about whether he would get as many opportunities, if that trade does happen."

Speaking on JioStar’s Game Plan, JioStar expert Aakash Chopra discussed the potential impact of an Arshdeep trade on PBKS’ bowling attack:

"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."

On PBKS getting in touch with GT for a possible trade that could benefit both teams:

"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. 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."

Catch all the action from TATA IPL 2027 Retentions on November 17, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network


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