Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up in TATA IPL 2025, missed out on a playoff spot in the following season and will be keen to bounce back in the 20th edition of the tournament. Ahead of the TATA IPL 2027 retentions, speculation surrounding a potential trade between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings involving Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh has generated considerable interest.

Speaking on JioStar’s Game Plan, JioStar experts Abhinav Mukund and Aakash Chopra discussed the possible implications of the proposed trade, Punjab Kings’ bowling concerns and another potential deal involving Gujarat Titans (GT) that could benefit both franchises.

What did Abhinav Mukund say about the potential Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh trade?

Abhinav Mukund shared his assessment of the proposed swap between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, highlighting how the move could affect the balance and leadership dynamics of the Punjab-based franchise.

He pointed out that Punjab had invested heavily in building its core during the previous mega auction, spending significant amounts on Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer and Yuzvendra Chahal. Mukund questioned whether the franchise was reconsidering its existing combination and explained how Pandya’s arrival could create questions about his role under Iyer’s leadership.

“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.”

What did Mukund say about Punjab Kings’ potential trade with LSG?

Apart from the proposed Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh swap, Mukund also discussed Punjab Kings’ reported interest in strengthening their pace-bowling department through a potential trade with Lucknow Super Giants.

He mentioned that Marcus Stoinis could be on his way out, while LSG pacer Mohsin Khan has reportedly emerged as a possible trade option. However, Mukund raised concerns about Mohsin’s fitness record and suggested that Mohammed Shami could be a better alternative for Punjab.

“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.”

What did Mukund say about Suryansh Shedge’s future at Punjab Kings?

Mukund also discussed the possible impact of the Hardik Pandya trade on young all-rounder Suryansh Shedge. He pointed out that Punjab already have several all-rounders in their squad and suggested that Pandya’s arrival could affect the opportunities available to the youngster.

Shedge has been making progress in his career and has also represented India A. Mukund highlighted his growing reputation as an all-rounder and questioned how the potential trade could influence his place in Punjab’s plans going forward.

“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.”

A 13-year chapter in Indian Test cricket closed on Friday, November 6, when Mohammed Shami formally announced his retirement from the longest format. His debut had come against West Indies on November 06, 2013, and his final Test appearance was the 2023 ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia, a stage that few fast bowlers reach even once. Between those two bookends, Shami had not featured in any international cricket since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025 before confirming his decision.

Among the prominent voices to acknowledge Shami’s contribution was WV Raman, whose connection with the fast bowler dates to the 2010 Ranji Trophy season when Raman served as his Bengal coach. That shared history lends a personal dimension to the tribute that goes beyond the routine acknowledgements that typically follow a retirement announcement.

“Mohammed Shami has been a delight to watch all these years during which time he made an indelible impact in the toughest format of the game arguably- test cricket! Well done Shami.. Have fun till you have had enough of this game,” Raman wrote, posting via his official X account on Sunday.

The tribute captures the regard in which Shami is held by those who watched his development from domestic cricket through to the highest level of the international game.

How does Shami’s Test record compare historically?

Across 64 Tests, Shami finished with 229 wickets at an average of 27.71 and a strike rate of 50.2, placing him sixth among India‘s most successful fast bowlers in the format. Six five-wicket hauls punctuated that tally, reflecting his capacity to dismantle batting line-ups on his best days rather than merely accumulate wickets in favourable conditions.

Of those 64 matches, 31 ended in victory for India and 13 were drawn, a record that meant Shami never found himself on the losing side of a home series across his entire Test career.

A strike rate of 50.2 across 64 Tests means Shami delivered a wicket roughly every 50 balls throughout his career, a figure that speaks to sustained penetration rather than the kind of economy-first approach that can inflate averages. His 27.71 average sits comfortably among the better marks recorded by Indian pace bowlers in Test history.

Wellington’s second ODI on November 7, 2026, saw India field first after a delayed start caused by wet outfield conditions. These circumstances created ideal bowling conditions for seam and swing bowlers. Auqib Nabi capitalised on the moisture-laden pitch, claiming two wickets for 31 runs as India restricted New Zealand to 134 in 41 overs. The Afghan bowler removed Tim Seifert for a duck in his opening spell and later accounted for Will Young, whose edge was caught by KL Rahul at slip.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra examined Nabi’s performance in detail on Cricinfo, highlighting how the seam bowler extracted maximum value from the surface conditions available to him. Chopra noted that the pitch retained moisture from the rain delay and the extended period under covers, which assisted Nabi’s natural bowling strengths.

“Well, if there is help in the surface, Auqib Nabi is best suited to extract something out of it. He’s a seam bowler, swing bowler. He’s a hit-the-deck hard bowler. There was enough help in the surface after the game was delayed because of rain,” Chopra said to Cricinfo.

“The pitch was also under the covers for a fairly long period of time. So surface moisture was still existing. And he was just putting the ball in the right area,” he added.

What weakness did Chopra identify in Nabi’s bowling?

As the innings progressed and New Zealand’s middle order attempted to counter-attack, Nabi’s effectiveness diminished against aggressive batting. Daryl Mitchell’s attacking approach exposed a critical weakness in Nabi’s armoury. When Mitchell began advancing down the pitch, the wicketkeeper had to be brought up to the stumps, fundamentally altering the dynamics of Nabi’s bowling strategy.

“The only issue arrives a little later when Daryl Mitchell starts walking down the pitch and the keeper has to be brought up. Mitchell starts smashing him down the ground. It has happened on two or three occasions. The lack of pace is something that will have to be worked on and he should have a plan when batters start charging down. The moment the keeper is standing up, Nabi looks half the bowler,” Chopra said.

How does Arshdeep Singh’s second ODI compare to his Auckland performance?

Chopra reflected on Arshdeep Singh‘s performances across the series, drawing a comparison between his outings in the first and second matches. In the opening ODI at Auckland on November 4, Arshdeep had conceded 70 runs but claimed four wickets, demonstrating his ability to take wickets even when runs were being scored. His Wellington display showed improved bowling quality despite yielding no wickets in the opening burst.

“Yeah, sometimes it happens. Last game, he conceded 70, but had four wickets to show for his efforts. On Saturday, he bowled a lot better than what he did at Auckland. But then had no wickets to show for it in the opening burst. If you give him the conditions, he is one of the ideal new ball bowlers who has mastered his skills in the shortest format where batters tend to go after you,” Chopra said.