In one of the most high-profile deals of the Indian Premier League, Hardik Pandya has moved to Punjab Kings for IPL 2027 in a blockbuster trade deal with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. The move comes at a revised price of ₹18 crore and marks his third franchise stint in an eventful career so far. Having won four titles with Mumbai Indians, he will now join Punjab after being a champion skipper for Gujarat Titans.

The all-rounder will step into a star-studded team led by Ricky Ponting (head coach) and Shreyas Iyer (captain). However, his previous record against the franchise shows that Punjab Kings have been one of the toughest teams for Pandya to play against in the IPL.

The Batting Numbers of Hardik Pandya: Intent over Effect

Hardik Pandya has played just 18 matches for Punjab Kings in the IPL so far and has mostly batted in the lower order. In fact, while he hasn't been lacking intent, the bowlers have kept him to reasonable numbers.

A strike rate of 150.00 highlights his relentless attacking intent, but a sub-20 average, his second-worst against any IPL opponent, indicates that PBKS bowlers have frequently managed to cut his innings short before he could produce a match-winning score.

The Bowling Numbers of Hardik Pandya: A Tough Matchup

If his batting against Punjab showed glimpses of intent, his seam-bowling record against them tells a far tougher story. Punjab's batting line-ups over the years have consistently found comfort against Pandya's medium pace.

With an economy rate of more than 11 and an average of 64.17, it shows just how costly Pandya has been.

A New Beginning In 2027

Hardik Pandya will now take on a new role as he will be wearing red and gold. He will join a team that is looking to win their first-ever IPL title. Pandya brings his world-class experience of winning and leadership to this team. This will give him a fresh start as he will be playing at a ground where he had trouble controlling the game.