Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed that Shardul Thakur has been traded to the Mumbai Indians (MI) from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a major move ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction.
The all-rounder will now represent his home-state franchise in the upcoming season, as teams finalize their retained and released player lists before the November 15 deadline. Shardul, who went unsold in the previous auction, was later signed by LSG to address their injury concerns.
He featured in 10 matches, taking 13 wickets at an average of 28.85 and an economy rate of 11.03. The move to Mumbai marks his seventh IPL franchise, having previously played for Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rising Pune Super Giants, and Lucknow Super Giants.
Ravichandran Ashwin mentioned Shardul Thakur’s move to Mumbai Indians (MI) while talking about the team’s possible player releases ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
“I don’t see MI releasing any player. Their only question would be around Deepak Chahar, who is a bit injury-prone. They have secured Shardul Thakur on a trade with LSG, that is done,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Shardul Thakur recently replaced Ajinkya Rahane as Mumbai’s captain for the 2025–26 domestic season. The all-rounder has been in good form, focusing primarily on red-ball cricket since the conclusion of the IPL 2025 season.
Shardul Thakur Has Most IPL Wickets At Wankhede
The pace-bowling all-rounder adds valuable experience and depth to the Mumbai Indians squad, with his strong familiarity with the Wankhede Stadium being an added advantage. It is one of only three venues where he has taken over 10 IPL wickets, alongside the Dubai International Stadium and Pune’s MCA Stadium.
At Wankhede, Shardul has claimed 16 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 35.69 and an economy rate of 9.71. With the bat, he has also performed impressively, maintaining a strike rate of 137.29 at the iconic ground.
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