- Mumbai Indians secure Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford in double trade ahead of IPL 2026
Mumbai Indians have strengthened their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League season with the additions of all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford following separate trade agreements with Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans.
Shardul Thakur, who represented Lucknow Super Giants in the 2025 season as an injury replacement, returns to his home franchise after being traded for his existing fee of INR 2 crore. The Mumbai-born all-rounder played 10 matches for LSG in the previous edition, having been signed as cover for INR 2 crore. Known for his utility role and ability to deliver crucial performances under pressure, Thakur adds both depth and experience to Mumbai’s bowling and lower-order batting.
In another move, Mumbai Indians secured West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans. Rutherford, acquired by GT for INR 2.6 crore, will also join MI at his existing fee. The 27-year-old has played 44 T20Is for the West Indies and holds the record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20Is, a 139-run stand with Andre Russell against Australia in Perth.
Rutherford has prior experience across multiple IPL franchises, including Delhi Capitals in 2019 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2022. He was part of the Mumbai Indians squad in 2020 and the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in 2024 but did not make a playing XI appearance in those seasons.
Both trades bolster Mumbai Indians’ all-round options as the five-time champions begin shaping their squad for the 2026 campaign. (Newswire)