Shardul Thakur creates unique IPL record with third career trade, joins THIS franchise for 2026 season

While the cricket fraternity is eagerly awaiting the official announcement of the much-discussed Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson trade, Mumbai Indians made headlines by purchasing Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants for cash only. The move was officially approved by the Indian Premier League (IPL), making Thakur the first player in IPL history to be traded three times.

He was acquired by Rising Pune Supergiant from Punjab Kings in 2017 and ahead of the 2023 season, Thakur was traded from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders and both transactions were all-cash deals. Interestingly, he was unsold at the 2025 mega auction and had also signed with Essex to take part in the County Championship.

Following the injury to Mohsin Khan, who was eliminated from the IPL, LSG chose to transfer Thakur as his replacement. He started his season impressively, taking six wickets in two matches, including a remarkable four wickets, but faced difficulties throughout the remainder of the season, finishing with 13 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 11.02.

With this transfer, Shardul Thakur becomes the seventh team he has represented in the IPL, having previously played for Punjab Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants. He will also join an elite group of players who have played for both MI and CSK during their IPL careers.

In total, Thakur participated in 105 IPL matches and took 107 wickets at an average of 30.31 and an economy of 9.4. He also amassed 325 runs in 42 innings at a strike rate of 139.48. While his addition is expected to significantly improve Mumbai Indians’ bowling line-up, the team will also look to bring his batting contributions down the order if necessary.

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