3 reasons why MI trading in Shardul Thakur via trade ahead of IPL 2026 Auction is the right move

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) pulled off a significant move less than two days before the IPL 2026 retention deadline by trading in Shardul Thakur in an all-cash deal with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). It was the third time in his IPL career that the 34-year-old has been involved in a trade, with an all-cash deal being the case in each of the three occasions.

Thakur was unsold in the IPL 2025 auction before an injury to Mohsin Khan led LSG to acquire the veteran right-arm pacer. Despite making his IPL debut in 2015, the seamer was a support bowler in the MI ranks from 2010 to 2012.

The statement from the IPL on the trade read:

"Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder, Shardul Thakur is all set to represent Mumbai Indians, following a trade between the two franchises. The Mumbai based all-rounder was picked up by the Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 crore as an injury replacement for the 18th edition of the league, wherein he featured in 10 games."

It continued:

"Shardul has been a utility player for franchises he has represented, putting in clutch performances time and again. The all-rounder has been traded to Mumbai Indians for his existing player fee of INR 2 crore."

The Thakur trade to MI had some pondering the rationale behind the move, but it isn't without a reason that the franchise is arguably the shrewdest operator in the IPL.

On that note, here are three reasons why MI have pulled a rabbit out of the hat by acquiring Shardul Thakur via trade ahead of the 2026 IPL auction.

#1 Shardul Thakur's entry paves the way for a crucial financial addition by subtraction

MI's acquisition of Shardul Thakur in an all-cash deal leaves them going over the cap as of today. While it may appear to be a panic mode today, the positive ripple effect of it will likely be seen on the retention deadline day (November 15).

With Thakur being locked and loaded in the bowling all-rounder role for ₹2 crore, MI can almost assuredly release Deepak Chahar. The franchise bought the latter for a whopping ₹9.25 crore at the IPL 2025 auction.

The duo played similar roles in the previous IPL season with powerplay bowling and lower-order batting. Yet, at a lower price, Thakur produced just at a slightly higher level with the ball, picking up 13 wickets in 10 games to Chahar's 11 in 14 outings.

In a mini auction where every penny will be worth its weight in gold, gaining over ₹7 crore for two players tasked with similar roles and potentially identical output cannot be overstated.

With their incredible scouting system and knack for pulling off savvy moves at the auction table, MI will massively benefit in terms of their purse remaining.

#2 Thakur's flashes of brilliance fit MI's roster to perfection

MI have always been a side built more by match-winners and stars, over blue-collar cricketers. Going by that logic, Shardul Thakur fits the bill to perfection, with his ability to still produce match-winning spells on occasions.

Despite the suddenness of his recall last season, the veteran pacer immediately hit the ground running for LSG. Thakur picked up two wickets in his very first outing against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in a brilliant new-ball spell.

He had fans around the country buzzing further with 'Lord Thakur' memes with a match-winning four-wicket haul in the second game against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH).

While his production tapered off as the season went on, the seasoned campaigner still finished with an impressive bowling average of under 29 in 10 matches. In a side filled with superstars, Thakur's timely brilliance and match-winning spells could be just what the doctor ordered for the five-time champions.

Lest we forget, the 34-year-old has historically dismissed some of the most accomplished batters in the IPL at crucial moments of games. MI will hope the lucky charm that seemingly follows Thakur helps them break a five-year trophyless streak.

#3 The homecoming factor combined with the rarity of the skillset

Despite mixed results, Shardul Thakur is seemingly always on the horizon for regular national recalls. The key reason is the uniqueness of his skill set and its scarcity in the country.

While India is spoilt for choices in the spin-bowling all-rounder department, the same cannot be said for pace-bowling all-rounders. Furthermore, the cupboard for a bona fide pacer with the ability to add runs in the lower order is even bare.

It is why MI invested heavily in Chahar, and with a much lower-priced Thakur, the franchise may have hit an underrated jackpot. Another key reason why MI was smart to acquire Thakur is his love affair with the Wankhede Stadium.

The experienced seam-bowling all-rounder was at his best for Mumbai in the most recently completed Ranji season in 2024/25, averaging over 42 with the bat and picking up 35 wickets with the cherry at an average of under 23.

The Maharashtra-born all-rounder has played almost the entirety of his domestic cricket for Mumbai. Having been appointed the Mumbai captain for the domestic season, Thakur's drive to deliver for the franchise will be at an all-time high.

The 34-year-old is no stranger to racking up trophies, be it with Mumbai in domestic cricket or the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL. When Thakur runs in to bowl for the first time at the Wankhede Stadium in IPL 2026, it should feel like a match made in heaven, and one that could help MI get back to their title-winning ways.