NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder Shardul Thakur is set to don the Mumbai Indians jersey in IPL 2026 following a trade agreement between the two franchises, the league confirmed on Thursday.

The Mumbai-born cricketer was signed by Lucknow for Rs 2 crore as an injury replacement during the 18th edition of the IPL, where he went on to play 10 matches.

Known for his all-round contributions and ability to deliver in crucial moments, Shardul has now been traded to Mumbai Indians for his existing player fee of Rs 2 crore.

Shardul Thakur, who surprisingly went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction, managed 13 wickets and 18 runs in 10 matches last season.

Earlier, a Cricbuzz report had suggested that both Shardul and Arjun Tendulkar were likely to switch franchises. However, the IPL's official announcement made no mention of Arjun.

It now remains to be seen whether Mumbai Indians decide to retain him or complete a trade with Lucknow Super Giants after the auction.

Shardul Thakur's IPL journey

Shardul began his IPL journey with Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2015, featuring in just one match that season. His next opportunity came with Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) in 2017, where he picked up 11 wickets and soon earned his India debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka later that year.

The 2018 mega auction saw him move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he made an immediate impact, claiming 16 wickets in 13 matches and playing a key role in CSK's title-winning comeback season. Shardul continued to grow in stature, and in 2021, he emerged as CSK's leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps, helping the franchise secure another title.

In 2022, Shardul represented Delhi Capitals before being traded to Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2023 season. He returned to CSK in 2024 but went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction, marking a surprising turn in his otherwise eventful league career.