Hardik Pandya's PBKS move could unleash his best: Ravi Shastri warns rivals

Hardik Pandya's proposed move to Punjab Kings comes at a time when he is desperate to put an injury-hit spell behind him. Ravi Shastri, meanwhile, has reminded rivals of what a fully fit Hardik can bring to the table.Hardik Pandya is yet to make a return from injury. (PTI Photo)New Delhi,Nov 10, 2026 08:04 ISTA change of franchise could give Hardik Pandya the fresh start he needs, but Ravi Shastri believes the all-rounder's biggest threat to opponents will come when he is fully fit and firing. With a move from Mumbai Indians to Punjab Kings reportedly close to completion, the former India head coach has backed Hardik to make a strong impact when he returns to action.Speaking on Extra Innings ahead of India's third ODI against New Zealand, Shastri described Hardik as the best in the business in T20 cricket when fit, while suggesting that his time away from the game could leave him hungry to make a statement.“You know, whenever he plays, if he’s fully fit, he’s the best in the business in T20 cricket. He’s a genuine match-winner,” Shastri said.“And he might just be charged up. He hasn’t played cricket for a while, so he could be eager to come out there and show what he’s capable of.” The comments come at a significant moment in Hardik's IPL career. His proposed move to Punjab Kings, with Arshdeep Singh heading to Mumbai Indians in exchange, is all but done, with India Today learning that both franchises have submitted their expressions of interest to the BCCI. An official confirmation is expected once the necessary paperwork is completed.A FRESH START IN PUNJAB?Hardik's potential departure would bring an end to his second stint with Mumbai Indians, where his return in 2024 was accompanied by a change in leadership. He took over as captain from Rohit Sharma, but the franchise struggled to find consistency during his three seasons in charge. Mumbai endured a difficult IPL 2026 campaign, finishing ninth with just four wins from 14 matches. They have missed the playoffs twice in the three seasons since Hardik became captain, and are now expected to bring Rohit back to the leadership role for 2027.Punjab, meanwhile, could offer Hardik a different environment. The franchise narrowly missed out on the playoffs in 2026 after reaching the final the previous season under Shreyas Iyer. Hardik is expected to join as a player, with Shreyas set to continue as captain.WHY HAS HARDIK BEEN AWAY FROM CRICKET?Hardik's absence has been prolonged by a series of fitness setbacks since IPL 2026. He last played a competitive match on May 24, having already missed four matches during the tournament due to back spasms. A subsequent leg strain added to his recovery challenges, keeping him at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for an extended period.His return was initially expected in September, and he was named in India A's squad for the one-day series against Australia A in October. However, a fresh injury to his right shin forced him to withdraw. He was reportedly still experiencing pain while bowling and was advised to take complete rest before resuming rehabilitation.The setback also ruled him out of India's white-ball series against New Zealand. Hardik was then left out of Baroda's squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 14, delaying his return to competitive cricket once again.India captain Shubman Gill has stressed that Hardik will need to play domestic cricket and prove his fitness before returning to the national side. With his comeback still on hold, the immediate priority will be to get back on the field and build match fitness before the next international assignment.For Punjab, the prospect of having a fully fit Hardik is an exciting one. But before he can make an impact in a new set-up, the all-rounder must first get past the injuries that have kept him out for nearly six months.- Ends