Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia, a lifelong Arsenal fan, believes Hardik Pandya could bring the midas touch that the Mohali-based franchise has been missing over the last couple of seasons. Despite showing plenty of promise over the past two seasons, Punjab Kings have fallen short of winning their maiden Indian Premier League ( IPL ) title. Wadia feels the India all-rounder could be the missing piece in the Shreyas Iyer-led side’s puzzle and help the franchise dominate the league, much like his favourite club Arsenal are doing in the Premier League.
11, 2026. Singh is seen during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, in this file image, dated Monday, May 11, 2026. (PTI Photo/Karma Bhutia)(PTI11_11_2026_000094A) *** Local Caption *** In the past couple of seasons, Punjab Kings have been doing well, much like the Gunners, before they went on to win the Premier League. Pandya is seen during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in this file image, dated Saturday, May 2, 2026. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar)(PTI11_11_2026_000077B) *** Local Caption *** Let’s see how things develop going forward.
Having said that, these are world-class players, and everyone adjusts and adapts. In a freewheeling chat with TimesofIndia.com, Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia opens up about the blockbuster Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade, admitting that letting go of the India pacer was a difficult decision. Wadia explains the cricketing rationale behind acquiring Pandya, reveals how the negotiations unfolded and outlines the franchise’s long-term ambitions of building a championship-winning team. Ness Wadia: Yes, it took a little while. I think Mumbai Indians were keen on Arshdeep, and from a cricketing perspective, we also reflected on it a lot. We believe Hardik is someone who brings a great deal to the team. Most importantly, this is not about a short-term, one-year arrangement. We are keen to build a very strong franchise that wins championships, and we feel this move will take us in that direction. I think we are almost there. You can look at it as having one additional venue.
We are looking at Hardik as a long-term investment, not just a short-term move. **EDS: FILE IMAGE** Punjab Kings� Arshdeep Singh joins Mumbai Indians in much-anticipated IPL player trade on Wednesday, Nov. Hardik brings that Midas touch to us. **EDS: FILE IMAGE** Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya moves to Punjab Kings in much-anticipated IPL player trade on Wednesday, Nov.
