Shardul Thakur Returns Home: Mumbai Indians Finalize All-Cash Trade with Lucknow Super Giants

Mumbai Indians (MI) have officially completed an all-cash trade deal to acquire Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Thakur, who was picked up by LSG as an injury replacement for INR 2 crore in the previous season, returns to the Mumbai setup, marking his third trade in IPL history.

This move represents a homecoming for the pace-bowling all-rounder, who was previously associated with the MI franchise between 2010 and 2012 as a support bowler. Although his form dipped slightly toward the end of IPL 2025, finishing with 13 wickets in 10 matches, the Mumbai Indians management clearly values his utility and experience, particularly in the domestic circuit where he recently captained the Mumbai side in the Ranji Trophy.

Thakur’s acquisition is the second confirmed trade for the five-time champions, following the earlier trade for