Punjab Kings need to find Arshdeep Singh replacement, says Irfan Pathan
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan noted that while Hardik Pandya strengthens Punjab's batting, the departure of Arshdeep Singh creates bowling concerns.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has identified a weakness in the Punjab Kings (PBKS) squad following a high-profile trade involving Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh ahead of IPL 2027. According to the Times of India, Pathan noted that while Pandya strengthens the batting, the team must find a replacement for Singh and invest in a spinner.
The trade sees Pandya join Punjab Kings for a fee of Rs 18 crore, an increase from his previous retention fee of Rs 16.35 crore. Arshdeep Singh will move to Mumbai Indians (MI) at his existing fee of Rs 18 crore, ending a seven-year association with Punjab.
Pathan stated on X that Pandya provides a power-hitting option in the middle and lower order, making an already strong batting line-up even stronger. However, he expressed concern regarding the bowling resources after Singh's departure.
Singh was the leading wicket-taker for Punjab, having claimed 111 wickets in 96 IPL appearances. Pandya brings experience to the Punjab batting unit, having scored 2,955 runs with a strike rate of 146.28 and taken 82 wickets in 162 matches.
Regarding Mumbai Indians, Pathan said the acquisition of Singh makes them a much stronger side. He noted that Singh's arrival allows the team to use Jasprit Bumrah more effectively and has a positive impact on their overseas slots.
Singh joins the Mumbai Indians pace department alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, and Ashwani Kumar.