IPL: Arshdeep Singh looks forward to hunt in a pair with Bumrah ji for MI

Mumbai Indians, who have pressed the reset button hard to end their title-drought in IPL 2027, can boast of a X-factor in their pace attack with the addition of the left arm Arshdeep Singh. The five-time champions confirmed the trade-off on Wednesday that with captain Hardik Pandya moving to Punjab Kings, Arshdeep is joining the Mumbai Paltan.

Speaking on MI’s official Instagram handle, Arshdeep – India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is in a short career (151 wickets in 104 matches) said he looked forward to hitting the ground running at the Wankhede Stadium, one of his favourite venues. Referring to attacking lynchpin Jasprit Bumrah as Bumrah ji, he said: ‘’I am looking forward to be part of a squad which has Rohit bhai, Surya bhai, Tilak, Naman and Bumrah ji.’’

Welcoming the Punjab seamer, MI owner Akash Ambani said: ‘’ Arshdeep’s arrival adds an exciting dimension to our bowling attack. We are always looking to build a team with the right balance of experience, skill and hunger to compete, and Arshdeep brings all of these qualities. We welcome him along with the MI Paltan as he takes the field in Blue and Gold.”

A young veteran of the game, Arshdeep brings valuable international experience and can be difficult to get away in the death overs. The combination of Bumrah and Arshdeep will also prove to be a handful for the rival batters in the powerplay – where matches are being set up these days.

This is the second high profile trade-off before the cut-off date of IPL retention on 17^th November - with the auction scheduled in Goa on 16^th December. The first one was when Delhi Capitals released Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants in lieu of Rishabh Pant, while the next few days could see another surprise with considerable buzz around Yashasvi Jaiswal’s possible move from Rajasthan Royals.