The Shardul Thakur trade to MI has finally been confirmed, and honestly, it’s exactly the sort of shake-up that feeds the ongoing IPL 2026 trade buzz. Fans had been whispering about it for weeks, and now that everything is official, the deal has instantly become one of the most talked-about moves of the season especially because it’s tied to another headline-maker: Arjun Tendulkar to LSG.
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Why MI Wanted Shardul So Badly?
So, what’s the big fuss behind the Shardul Thakur trade to MI? First things first: MI secured him for INR 2 crore, sticking to his existing fee. Not too shabby for a seasoned all-rounder with more than a decade of IPL experience. Thakur’s journey has been anything but dull: 105 matches, 107 wickets, crucial late-over strikes, and a knack for popping up whenever the pressure is sky-high. No wonder he’s often labelled a “utility player”.
𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 ⬅ 𝐈𝐍
📲 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐑 incoming 😍💙 pic.twitter.com/TsoFQvCqkS
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 13, 2025
Beyond the numbers, the Shardul Thakur trade to MI feels like a homecoming. Thakur once served as a support bowler for Mumbai between 2010 and 2012. He’s older now, far better rounded, and has a reputation for delivering exactly when a team needs a breakthrough. This explains why Mumbai, never shy about making bold moves, jumped into the IPL 2026 trade buzz with such confidence.
📰 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗨𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗞𝗨𝗥 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗠𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗜 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗣𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Read more 👉 https://t.co/bwcjR4dDQs pic.twitter.com/NjvmKRA3NZ
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 13, 2025
Interestingly, this makes Thakur a bit of an IPL trivia answer. This is his third trade, after moves involving Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. LSG had brought him in as an injury replacement for Mohsin Khan and he rewarded them early, grabbing six wickets in his first two matches of IPL 2025. He did struggle later on, but MI clearly believe his all-round abilities, experience and familiarity with Mumbai conditions make him well worth the investment.
🚨 NEWS 🚨
Shardul Thakur has been traded to @mipaltan from @LucknowIPL.
More Details 👉 https://t.co/drd5BdO3fS#TATAIPL | @imShard pic.twitter.com/fG7QcIP07U
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) November 13, 2025
Add in his domestic leadership credentials, he was appointed Mumbai’s captain this season, and you can see why the five-time champions were keen to jump on this opportunity. In short, the Shardul Thakur trade to MI isn’t just another transaction; it’s a smart piece of franchise engineering and a major talking point in the growing IPL 2026 trade buzz.
Arjun Tendulkar’s Big Move
Now let’s flip the deal around, because Arjun Tendulkar to LSG is just as intriguing. MI have officially traded him out, and while that might sound dramatic, it’s arguably the best-case scenario for the young left-arm seamer. Ever since joining MI in 2021, Arjun has been carrying more public pressure than most players ever will, after all, being Sachin Tendulkar’s son is hardly a quiet existence.
🚨 PEAK IPL TRADE TIME. 🚨
– Arjun Tendulkar could join LSG with Shardul Thakur getting trade to Mumbai Indians. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/ntNrOOhT81
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 12, 2025
His IPL record so far is modest: five matches, three wickets. Critics have pointed to his pace, his variations, even his surname. But strip away the noise, and you’ll find a promising all-round cricketer who’s been steadily finding his feet in domestic cricket. That’s exactly why Arjun Tendulkar to LSG feels like a fresh start rather than a setback.
🚨 Arjun Tendulkar in Lucknow Super Giants 🚨
If this trade deal happens, it will be best for Arjun Tendulkar. In Mumbai Indians, Arjun gets few chances. He is good All Rounder. pic.twitter.com/D8pp4cMSPu
— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) November 12, 2025
LSG, a team still building a strong bowling core, offers Arjun something MI simply couldn’t, space to grow. There’s significantly less branding pressure, fewer instant-judgement expectations, and a more flexible environment for a developing all-rounder. And let’s not forget the numbers behind the buzz. Arjun’s recent Ranji Trophy form has genuinely impressed selectors: 10 wickets in seven innings this season with a strong economy and a handy ability to contribute lower-order runs. He even scored a first-class century last season, plus multiple fifties, an often overlooked skill when critics fixate solely on his bowling.
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So when analysts say Arjun Tendulkar to LSG aligns perfectly with the wider IPL 2026 trade buzz, they’re not exaggerating. LSG need depth, versatility and someone who can be moulded over time. Arjun needs trust, opportunities and breathing room. It’s a perfect fit, one that benefits both the franchise and the player.
Swap Dominates IPL 2026 Trade Buzz
What makes this whole situation so fascinating is how neatly it fits into the bigger picture of the IPL 2026 trade buzz. Trades aren’t always straightforward swaps in quality; sometimes they’re about timing, maturity, squad balance and long-term planning. MI strengthen their immediate firepower with Shardul, an experienced, big-match player, while LSG invest in potential and squad flexibility through Arjun’s arrival.
Shardul Thakur has joined Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026
MI and LSG have also agreed on a separate deal involving Arjun Tendulkar, who has been playing for MI since IPL 2023. The left-arm fast bowler, who was bought by MI for INR 30 lakh last year, has been traded to LSG. MI… pic.twitter.com/Tk54DTM9qf
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 13, 2025
And when you look at MI’s depth, it’s no surprise they decided to move him. Breaking into their first XI as a young bowler is brutally tough. LSG, meanwhile, can offer Arjun the one thing MI couldn’t: consistent playing opportunities. As more trades roll in and the auction approaches, expect this MI-LSG exchange to remain one of the defining stories of the IPL 2026 trade buzz, not just for its headline names, but for how well it reflects the league’s growing strategic complexity.
