‘We are keen to keep Hardik for as long as we can’: Ness Wadia on blockbuster trade, insists Shreyas remains Punjab Kings captain

Punjab Kings sees Hardik Pandya as a long-term investment, not a one-season acquisition. His arrival, however, will not alter the team’s leadership structure.

Shreyas Iyer will continue as captain, and Hardik is well aware of that, co-owner Ness Wadia told Sportstar in an exclusive interaction on Wednesday, explaining the thinking behind the blockbuster trade that sent Arshdeep Singh to Mumbai Indians.

“We are keen to obviously keep him for as long as we can,” Wadia said, adding: “Shreyas is the captain, without doubt. Unequivocally, Hardik also knows that. In fact, that was never discussed at all…”

With the mega-auction slated for next year, for Punjab, the trade was primarily a cricketing decision. Mumbai Indians approached the franchise with an interest in Arshdeep, and the discussions eventually led to an exchange involving two of India’s established international players.

“This deal, basically, I think is more from a cricketing perspective,” Wadia said. “Shreyas and Ricky are very happy and were keen to make it happen. Mumbai was keen to trade Hardik, and they wanted Arshdeep, and we weighed the options and we thought it was a good option,” Wadia said.

But there was no disguising the emotional difficulty of parting ways with Arshdeep, a player who had grown with the franchise and established himself as one of India’s leading T20 bowlers.

“I think it was very difficult for us to let go of Arshdeep,” Wadia said. “We are very happy that Arshdeep has grown with us, has performed so well for us, could perform internationally for the country, and really evolved into the player he has. So we’re very happy for him. Sad that he won’t be playing for us, but I’m sure he’ll do very well for Mumbai,” he added.

The decision, he admitted, was particularly difficult given the association the franchise shared with the left-arm pacer.

“It was a very tough call for us to make because he’s been with us. But sometimes you have to adjust and adapt to what you feel might be best. Not to say that having Arshdeep was not our best, but we want to win championships,” he said.

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Wadia found reason to take pride in Arshdeep’s rise. The left-armer had developed into a player of such stature that Punjab could consider a trade involving someone of Hardik’s standing. “I have nothing but happiness and joy on Arshdeep’s success. And the fact that he’s become such a big player to be trading for a Hardik, I think it’s incredible,” he said.

Hardik’s all-round abilities, experience and leadership qualities – he led to Gujarat Titans to the title in 2022, besides being part of Mumbai Indians’ four IPL win campaigns – were central to Punjab’s thinking. Wadia pointed to his record in the IPL and international cricket while underlining the value he brings to the side.

“Hardik comes in with a lot of experience. He has won multiple IPL titles, several ICC trophies. And he is a premier all-rounder in the world. And he’s been a phenomenal T20 player,” he said.

With T20 scores increasingly touching 250 and 260, Wadia believes Hardik’s presence will add considerable depth to Punjab’s batting. “It really strengthens our batting. It has become, more about runs with teams scoring 250, 260. Now 200 is almost below par, if you look at it more often than not. The smaller percentage is 200, or less than 200,” he said.

Beyond his cricketing credentials, Wadia is confident that Hardik will fit comfortably into the team’s environment. “From that perspective, I think it strengthens us, and it gives us a bowler, a leader, and a very wise person. He’s got a lot of experience. And he’s a wonderful guy. I think he’s gelled very well with us in our culture,” he said.

Wadia also confirmed that both players were comfortable with the move, with Hardik particularly looking forward to working again with head coach Ricky Ponting.

“I think Hardik is happy coming, to be with Ricky, most importantly. He’s worked with him and also Shreyas. In our team culture, I think Hardik will get a lot of freedom here. And I think he’ll enjoy himself,” he said.

The franchise, Wadia clarified, was not actively looking to trade Arshdeep when Mumbai made its approach. “No, we were not looking to trade Arshdeep,” Wadia said. “Mumbai approached us and then we had discussions with Mumbai, which were very good and fruitful. And it was win-win for everyone. So everyone’s happy,” he said.

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The financial aspect of the deal, with both players valued at Rs. 18 crore for the upcoming season, was not a stumbling block either. “You know, it was straightforward,” Wadia pointed out.

“There was no doubt from Mumbai’s perspective or from ours. It was win-win for both. And both of us wanted to make this deal happen. And that’s what we did collectively and jointly,” he said.

Asked whether Hardik’s injury interruptions and time away from competitive cricket had been a consideration, Wadia backed the all-rounder to make the most of the opportunity.

“He’s a world-class player. He’s got a point to prove. He obviously wants to make it back to the Indian team. And I think this is the perfect platform for him. He’ll be relaxed. He’ll be at home. And I think it’ll get the best out of him,” he said.

Wadia was guarded when asked how the trade would influence Punjab’s auction strategy, particularly with Arshdeep’s departure leaving a significant gap in the pace-bowling department.  “We will see what we do in terms of retention, and we will take it from there,” he said. “That’s still a work in progress. Whatever we need to do, we will do. And we’ve always been very diligent and thoughtful in how we approach things,” he said.

Wadia also pointed to Cooper Connolly’s emergence as an example of how opportunities can come from unexpected quarters. “Look at Connolly. No one had heard of him. And suddenly, he’s playing for Australia, and doing very well. And now he’s going to bowl even hopefully. So, it’s all part of the process…”

Wadia described the exchange as the ‘biggest trade’ in IPL history, acknowledging that reaching a consensus over a deal involving two leading players was never straightforward. “Such calls are never easy, especially on these very big deals,” he said.

“It’s the biggest trade which has happened in the history of IPL. I don’t think there’s been a bigger one. Two leading superstars. And yeah, it’s all part of the process. One has to carry everyone. And I think from a cricketing perspective and non-cricketing, everyone’s very happy,” he said.

While Shreyas will continue as captain, Wadia believes Hardik’s leadership experience will be an additional asset over a long IPL season. “Hardik’s a proven and experienced player. And I think he’ll only add value to everything we do. And we look forward to that,” he said.

For Punjab, the trade represents a significant step in its pursuit of an IPL title. But securing Hardik has meant parting ways with a player the franchise had nurtured and watched grow into an India regular. For Wadia, that remains the difficult side of an otherwise mutually beneficial deal.

Published on Nov 11, 2026