Shardul Thakur Traded to Mumbai Indians for INR 2 Crore, Arjun Tendulkar Move in Progress

In a blockbuster pre-auction shake-up that has sent ripples through the Indian Premier League fraternity, Shardul Thakur has completed his homecoming to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade deal worth INR 2 crore. The 33-year-old all-rounder’s move from Lucknow Super Giants marks his third IPL trade—making him a potential quiz question for cricket trivia enthusiasts. Meanwhile, parallel negotiations are underway for Arjun Tendulkar’s move in the opposite direction, adding another layer of intrigue to this dual-franchise reshuffle ahead of IPL 2026.

Shardul Thakur’s Journey: A Homecoming Years in the Making

Shardul Thakur Career Stats	Details
IPL Matches Played	105
Total Wickets	107
Total Runs Scored	325
IPL 2025 Performance (LSG)	13 wickets in 10 matches
Economy Rate (IPL 2025)	11.02
Trade Value	INR 2 crore

For Shardul Thakur, this trade represents more than just another franchise switch—it’s a return to his roots. The Mumbai-born cricketer was previously part of the Mumbai Indians setup between 2010 and 2012 as a support bowler, though he never quite broke into the playing eleven during that early phase of his career. Now, over a decade later, he returns to the franchise that gave him his first IPL opportunity, this time with significantly more experience and a proven track record.

The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. Just weeks before this trade, Thakur was appointed captain of Mumbai’s domestic cricket team for the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, cementing his status as a leader within the Mumbai cricket ecosystem. His return to Mumbai Indians feels like destiny coming full circle.

The LSG Chapter: Promise and Pragmatism

Shardul Thakur’s journey with Lucknow Super Giants began under unusual circumstances. After going unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah—a shocking development for a player of his caliber—Thakur was preparing to join Essex for the County Championship. However, LSG’s mentor at the time, Zaheer Khan, saw an opportunity when Mohsin Khan suffered an injury.

The franchise signed Thakur at his base price of INR 2 crore as a replacement player, and the investment initially appeared inspired. The all-rounder exploded out of the gates, capturing six wickets in his first two matches and providing LSG with the experienced Indian pace-bowling option they desperately needed.

However, consistency proved elusive. Over the remainder of the season, Thakur struggled to maintain his early form, finishing with 13 wickets across 10 matches at an economy rate of 11.02. His batting contributions were minimal—just 18 runs throughout the campaign—though his primary role had always been with the ball.

Despite the mixed returns, Thakur remained a utility player who could be trusted in pressure situations. His ability to bowl with the new ball during the powerplay and occasionally deliver breakthrough performances made him valuable, even if the overall numbers didn’t tell a glowing story.

Why LSG Let Shardul Thakur Go

The decision to trade Shardul Thakur wasn’t made lightly, but it aligns with Lucknow Super Giants’ broader strategic vision. Sources close to the franchise reveal that LSG is actively pursuing a premier overseas all-rounder in the upcoming auction, and freeing up INR 2 crore from their salary cap provides crucial financial flexibility.

Additionally, while LSG appreciated Thakur’s professionalism and occasional match-winning performances, the management wasn’t entirely convinced by his overall body of work during IPL 2025. The economy rate of 11.02 in a T20 competition is concerning, especially for a bowler expected to operate during crucial phases.

The franchise is looking to rebuild after finishing seventh in the 2025 season—a disappointing campaign that necessitates fresh thinking. By trading Thakur and potentially bringing in younger options or a more impactful overseas player, LSG hopes to revitalize their squad composition.

Mumbai Indians’ Master Stroke

For Mumbai Indians, acquiring Shardul Thakur addresses multiple strategic needs without requiring them to spend big at the auction. The five-time IPL champions endured a difficult 2025 season and recognized that strengthening their bowling depth—particularly with experienced Indian pacers—was paramount.

Thakur brings several valuable attributes to the MI setup:

Bowling Versatility: He can operate with the new ball, bowl in the middle overs, and even handle death-over responsibilities when required, giving captain Hardik Pandya tactical flexibility.

All-Round Capability: While his batting hasn’t been prolific recently, Thakur has proven in the past that he can contribute crucial lower-order runs and partnerships.

Experience: With 105 IPL matches under his belt, Thakur has seen virtually every match situation imaginable and brings calm under pressure.

Mumbai Connection: Being appointed Mumbai’s domestic captain demonstrates his leadership qualities and deep connection to the city’s cricket culture, which could prove invaluable in team chemistry.

The INR 2 crore price tag represents excellent value for a proven Indian all-rounder, especially considering the inflated prices that similar players command at auctions. MI have essentially acquired a ready-made solution without engaging in bidding wars.

The Third Trade: Shardul Thakur Makes IPL History

This transaction marks Shardul Thakur’s third IPL trade, making him potentially the only player in league history to be involved in three separate trade deals. His previous trades include:

2017: Rising Pune Supergiant acquired him from Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in an all-cash deal.

2023: Kolkata Knight Riders procured him from Delhi Capitals, again through an all-cash transaction.

2025: Mumbai Indians secured him from Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 crore.

This pattern reveals something interesting about Thakur’s career trajectory—franchises consistently see value in him, even if they don’t always retain him long-term. His skills as a utility all-rounder make him perpetually attractive in the trade market, where teams can acquire proven talent without the unpredictability of auction dynamics.

Arjun Tendulkar’s Potential Move to LSG

Running parallel to Shardul Thakur’s confirmed trade is the developing situation around Arjun Tendulkar. ESPNcricinfo reports that Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have reached an in-principle agreement on a separate trade deal involving the 26-year-old left-arm pacer.

Arjun Tendulkar Profile	Details
Age	26 years
Bowling Style	Left-arm fast
IPL Debut	2023 (Mumbai Indians)
Total IPL Matches	5
Wickets Taken	3
Economy Rate	9.36
Current Salary	INR 30 lakh

Tendulkar has spent his entire IPL career with Mumbai Indians after being purchased for INR 20 lakh in the 2021 auction. He made his debut in the 2023 season, playing four matches that year and one in 2024, though he didn’t feature at all in the 2025 edition.

For Tendulkar, the move to LSG could represent a fresh start and potentially more opportunities. The pressure of carrying his legendary father’s surname while playing for Mumbai—where Sachin Tendulkar achieved immortal status—has been immense. A change of scenery might allow Arjun to develop his game away from the intense scrutiny that comes with being a Tendulkar in Mumbai.

LSG’s interest makes strategic sense. The franchise is looking for backup options for overseas all-rounders and wants to deepen their pool of Indian seamers. At INR 30 lakh, Tendulkar represents a low-risk investment with potential upside. His left-arm angle provides variety to the attack, and he’s shown steady improvement in domestic cricket since moving to Goa in 2022.

How These Trades Impact IPL 2026 Dynamics

These interconnected trades have significant implications for both franchises’ auction strategies:

For Mumbai Indians:

• Strengthened Indian pace-bowling depth without exhausting auction budget
• Freed up a roster spot by trading Tendulkar
• Can focus auction spending on specific gaps rather than all-rounders
• Reduced pressure on Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorff to bowl extended spells

For Lucknow Super Giants:

• Created INR 2 crore additional purse space for auction
• Acquired a young left-arm seamer with growth potential
• Positioned to target premier overseas all-rounders without budget constraints
• Building toward a youth-focused rebuild after disappointing 2025 season

Both franchises appear to have executed deals that serve their immediate needs while maintaining flexibility for the December auction scheduled for Abu Dhabi on December 15-16.

What Experts Are Saying

The cricketing fraternity has reacted with interest to these trades. Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin inadvertently revealed details about Shardul Thakur’s move on his YouTube channel before quickly deleting the segment and re-releasing the video without that portion. Mumbai Indians then cheekily shared the same clip after officially announcing Thakur’s signing, adding a humorous touch to the proceedings.

Analysts have praised Mumbai Indians for securing an experienced Indian all-rounder at a fixed price, avoiding the unpredictability of auctions where emotional bidding can drive prices skyward. Thakur’s familiarity with Mumbai’s conditions and his recent domestic captaincy appointment have been highlighted as factors that could help him settle quickly.

For Lucknow, the decision has been viewed as pragmatic rather than brilliant. While losing an experienced campaigner always carries risk, the franchise’s willingness to acknowledge that the partnership wasn’t working optimally demonstrates mature decision-making.

Looking Ahead: The Retention Deadline Looms

These trades come just before the crucial November 15 retention deadline, adding urgency to both franchises’ planning. The IPL governing council must formally approve both transactions, but sources suggest these are mere formalities given that both teams have filed expressions of interest and completed the necessary paperwork.

Shardul Thakur’s immediate task will be integrating into the Mumbai Indians setup and understanding his role in the team’s plans. Having previously worked with the franchise and knowing the Mumbai cricket culture intimately, his adjustment period should be minimal.

For Arjun Tendulkar, the potential move to Lucknow represents both opportunity and responsibility. He’ll need to prove that he deserves his spot through performances rather than pedigree. LSG’s coaching staff, known for developing young talent, could provide the perfect environment for him to flourish away from the spotlight.

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