“He is expensive in other franchise leagues” - Hanuma Vihari’s huge claim on MI star ahead of IPL 2027 auction

Discarded batter Hanuma Vihari made a huge claim on Mumbai Indians (MI) star Trent Boult ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. The five-time champions are likely to trade all-rounder Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings (PBKS) for pacer Arshdeep Singh.

Hanuma Vihari reckoned that Trent Boult did not have the kind of impact he had before, which is why Mumbai may have looked at Arshdeep and could release the Kiwi pacer. Further, Vihari opined that the India pacer would be impactful with the new ball at the Wankhede Stadium.

"Trent Boult, I think his age is catching up. He is expensive in other franchise leagues. I don't know if they have that much confidence and may also release him. You never know. Arshdeep is a value addition as he is the highest wicket-taker for India. He can swing the new ball, especially at a ground like the Wankhede. When he swings the ball, he is the king. He also bowls yorkers at the death and has experience. I think it is a good trade for Mumbai Indians," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Hanuma Vihari reckoned that any team would want to have a pacer like Arshdeep on their side. He particularly felt that MI were aiming to strengthen their pace attack by bringing the left-arm seamer in, with the conditions at the Wankhede suited for new-ball bowlers in the powerplay.

"I think they wanted to strengthen the bowling attack, especially the fast-bowling attack. I know Arshdeep is not an all-rounder like Hardik. But how many are there who can replace Hardik? So, at least if you are getting a bowler like Arshdeep, then why not? I think they have gone with Arshdeep considering their home conditions."

Arshdeep has played 96 games in the IPL so far. He has picked up 111 wickets at an average of 28.02 and an economy rate of 9.18.

Hanuma Vihari on how the Hardik Pandya trade could add value to PBKS

Further, Hanuma Vihari also explained that PBKS would be strengthened with the addition of another quality all-rounder, as they already have the likes of Marco Jansen and Azmatullah Omarzai. He reckoned that it would also add to their batting strength and Indian core.

"If you see Marco Jansen, yes, he didn't perform as much with the bat in the IPL, but he is a value-added player. Omarzai is another all-rounder. So, with Hardik, Punjab have three genuine all-rounders. When there are such all-rounders, any team can benefit. With Hardik, their batting and Indian core also become strong. It is a fantastic trade for Punjab as well," he said.

Moreover, Hanuma Vihari expressed that Hardik would also bring a lot of commercial and brand value apart from his cricketing skills. He made a bold remark that PBKS would be favorites to win the title with Hardik's inclusion.

"With the bat, with the ball, and commercially also, Hardik will bring that branded value. Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer took them to the finals the year before. I feel they will be favorites again to be in the top four with Hardik coming in. Yes, Arshdeep will be missed, but they have bowlers."

PBKS were the finalists in 2025 but failed to make the playoffs in 2026 after starting well. The franchise will be keen to make a solid comeback, still in the hunt for its first IPL title.

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