You won’t believe how much MI paid for Shardul Thakur, Rutherford and Arjun Tendulkar, the amount is Rs… News24 –
The IPL 2026 trading window is heating up rapidly as franchises scramble to lock in their squads ahead of the looming retention deadline. Among the most active teams this week are the Mumbai Indians (MI), who pulled off three notable trades that underline their intent to rebuild and recalibrate ahead of the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.
The five-time champions acquired seasoned all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford in two separate all-cash deals, while allowing young left-arm quick Arjun Tendulkar to make a fresh start with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
These moves highlight MI’s decisive early-game strategy bring in experience, bolster depth, and free up room for emerging talent.
Shardul Thakur Returns to Mumbai Indians
In a trade that feels both tactical and emotional, MI obtained India all-rounder Shardul Thakur from LSG for Rs 2 crore – his existing player fee.
Thakur, who started his IPL journey with MI as a support bowler between 2010 and 2012, now returns as a seasoned campaigner leading Mumbai in the domestic circuit. His familiarity with the franchise’s culture adds an intangible but valuable layer to the trade.
Although Thakur endured a difficult 2025 IPL season – conceding runs at 11.02 despite taking six wickets in his first two games – MI still view him as a critical Indian all-round option. His ability to strike with the ball and contribute handy runs down the order makes him a high-impact player, especially considering MI’s history of injuries to domestic pacers.
Rutherford Reunites with MI
MI further strengthened their middle-order firepower by roping in Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans (GT) for Rs 2.6 crore, matching the price GT had paid last season. This marks Rutherford’s second tenure with MI after being part of their squad in 2020.
The hard-hitting West Indian arrives on the back of a stellar IPL 2025 season, where he hammered 291 runs in 13 matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 157.29. His left-handed finishing ability provides Mumbai with a potent combination alongside the likes of Tim David and Hardik Pandya, significantly boosting their death-overs hitting.
Rutherford’s consistency and versatility with the bat make him one of MI’s most strategically smart trade picks in recent seasons.
Arjun Tendulkar Heads to LSG in Search of Opportunity
In a separate but widely discussed move, MI traded Arjun Tendulkar to LSG for Rs 30 lakh, his base price. The timing and nature of the trade have led many to believe it was indirectly connected to MI’s acquisition of Thakur, though official sources describe it as an independent squad-planning decision.
Tendulkar, despite being part of MI since 2021, struggled for playing time. He featured in just 5 IPL matches, picking up 3 wickets at an economy of 9.36. While he has shown promise during his domestic stint with Goa – making his first-class and List A debuts – cracking MI’s crowded bowling lineup proved difficult.
LSG, dealing with several injury-hit Indian pacers, see Arjun as a low-cost, high-upside investment. His left-arm angle offers variation, and the comparatively lower scrutiny in Lucknow could help him settle into a more defined role. For the 26-year-old, this trade represents a long-awaited chance to break into a consistent playing XI.
What These Moves Signal
With these three trades, MI have made their intentions clear:
- Reinforce all-round depth
- Add proven hitters
- Make space for new talent
- Address balance before the auction
For LSG, the dual transactions involving Shardul and Arjun reflect their strategy of rebuilding a reliable pace unit while managing resources smartly.
As the retention deadline approaches and the mega-auction draws near, these trades may just be the beginning of a much larger wave of IPL 2026 reshuffles. The coming weeks promise even more high-impact moves as franchises finalize their blueprints for the upcoming season.