The Mumbai Indians (MI) have been active in the IPL trade window, securing a double signing by acquiring all-rounder Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and West Indies power-hitter Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans ahead of the 2026 season.
The deals, officially confirmed by the IPL on Thursday, see both players moving for their existing salaries, strengthening the five-time champions’ Indian core and middle-order firepower.
Homecoming for Shardul Thakur
In a move that marks a homecoming, Mumbai-born Shardul Thakur has been traded from LSG for his base price of INR 2 Crore. Thakur, who currently captains the Mumbai domestic team, had gone unsold in the previous mega auction but was later signed by Lucknow as an injury replacement.
During the 2025 season, Thakur featured in 10 matches for LSG, making a notable impact with the ball by taking 13 wickets, often being deployed with the new ball. His contributions with the bat, however, were limited, scoring only 18 runs throughout the season. His acquisition provides MI with a seasoned Indian pace-bowling all-rounder, a valuable asset for the team’s balance.
Rutherford Returns to MI Camp
In a separate trade, Mumbai Indians have also brought back Sherfane Rutherford from the Gujarat Titans for INR 2.6 Crore. The 27-year-old West Indian all-rounder is set for his second stint with the franchise, having been part of the squad in 2020, though he didn’t get a game.
Rutherford, who has played 23 IPL matches for teams like Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is known for his explosive batting. He holds a notable T20I record, featuring in the highest sixth-wicket partnership of 139 runs with Andre Russell for the West Indies.
These strategic moves come as the IPL 2026 retention deadline of November 15 approaches, indicating Mumbai Indians’ intent to build a robust squad early in the off-season. As reported, discussions between MI and LSG regarding Arjun Tendulkar are also understood to be ongoing.
