New Delhi, Nov 13 – The Indian Premier League (IPL) is closing in on its 2026 retention deadline, and the first big player move has already happened. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) traded all‑rounder Shardul Thakur to the Mumbai Indians (MI) for his player‑fee of ₹2 crore.
Thakur, a right‑hand seam bowler who can bat in the middle order, has played 105 IPL matches and taken 107 wickets. He scored a best 68 runs in the league. The trade means that the city of Mumbai will once again have its own star cricketer, after Thakur captained the Mumbai domestic side and grew up in nearby Palghar.
Mumbai’s management welcomed the move, calling Thakur a “proven match‑winner” who will add depth to their fast‑bowling lineup. “This gives us more experience and strengthens our already strong pace attack,” the club said.
Thakur’s IPL journey began in 2017 when Rising Pune Supergiant bought him from Punjab Kings. He later moved to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023 and now finds a second home at MI.
The trade comes after Thakur went unsold at the 2025 IPL mega auction and was expecting to play for Essex in England. LSG gave him a chance under the guidance of former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan, and he started with six wickets in his first two matches before settling into 13 wickets from 10 games at an economy rate of 11.02.
With the 2026 retention deadline on November 15, the move underscores the fluid nature of IPL squads and the battle for big‑name players ahead of the next season.
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