Aakash Chopra believes Mumbai Indians can cope without Hardik Pandya as his reported trade to Punjab Kings, involving Arshdeep Singh, nears completion. Chopra also expects MI to have enough batting depth to accommodate Will Jacks in their playing XI.Hardik Pandya is all set to join PBKS in a blockbuster trade. (Image; PTI)Will Mumbai Indians miss Hardik Pandya?

Well, not a lot, according to Aakash Chopra. The former India batter feels that Mumbai Indians can cope without the star all-rounder in the side as his trade to Punjab Kings edges closer to completion.

India Today learnt that the deal to send Hardik to PBKS is all but done with MI getting Arshdeep Singh in exchange.The two teams have already conveyed their intent to the BCCI, with the trade expected to receive formal approval within the next 24 to 72 hours, subject to the completion of the board's administrative formalities. The move will bring down the curtains to a torrid run during the all-rounder's second stint with Mumbai.Hardik failed to guide MI to the playoffs last season and questions were raised about his captaincy during the IPL 2026 season.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said that MI will be able to manage without Hardik in the mix.The former India batter suggested that Mumbai will have enough batting depth in their ranks even if Hardik leaves and they can bring Will Jacks easily into the mix. "It's a serious attack. Will they miss Hardik?

Kill me for saying this, they won't miss him as much. You know how much I like Hardik Pandya, but the truth is that they will manage.

If you see their batting, Rohit Sharma comes with either Ryan Rickelton or Quinton de Kock. Then you have Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sherfane Rutherford to bat in the middle, and Naman Dhir.

You have depth and quality in batting. You can now play Will Jacks easily," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.Chopra also suggested that MI will release Trent Boult alongside Hardik ahead of the IPL 2027 auction.NO CAPTAINCY FOR HARDIK IN PUNJAB Despite the blockbuster deal to bring Hardik on board, PBKS won't be handing over the captaincy to him.

Punjab will be sticking with Shreyas Iyer as captain for next season.For MI, Rohit Sharma is expected to return as skipper for the team after a three-year absence.- Ends