Top 5 most successful trades in IPL history ft. Sanju Samson

The list features several top IPL stars.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several record-breaking and surprising trades so far. Player trades have often played an important role in shaping a franchise’s fortunes. While some trades have helped teams build strong squads, others have completely transformed the careers of the players involved.

Several record-breaking trades have taken place in the IPL, some of which have proven highly beneficial for both the teams and the players involved. On that note, let’s have a look at the top five most successful trades in IPL history based on performance.

Most successful trades in the history of IPL

5. Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026

Sanju Samson was traded from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings for ₹18 crore in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, who moved the other way.

The CSK management made a tough decision considering the number of years Jadeja had served the team, but Sanju’s inclusion in the top order gave the side a different dimension. He had won the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks before the season.

He continued his brilliant form in IPL 2026, scoring 477 runs in 14 matches at an impressive strike rate of 165. He also scored two brilliant centuries, helping the team win several matches. However, it was not enough, as the team failed to qualify for the playoffs.

4. Zaheer Khan to Mumbai Indians in IPL 2009

Zaheer Khan was traded from Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Mumbai Indians in exchange for Robin Uthappa, who moved to MI. In his debut season for MI, Zaheer took 6 wickets in six matches at an average of 23 and an economy rate of 6.76.

In the following season, he played an important role for the side, picking 15 wickets at an average of 25 and an economy rate of 7.77, helping the team reach their first-ever IPL final.

3. Harshal Patel to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2021

One of the best-ever trades in terms of performance was probably Royal Challengers Bengaluru acquiring Harshal Patel from Delhi Capitals along with Daniel Sams. Harshal hit peak form in 2021, taking a record 32 wickets in the season at an average of 14 and an economy rate of 8.14.

He equalled the record for the most wickets taken in a single IPL season while helping RCB qualify for the playoffs. In the following season, Harshal shone once again, taking 19 wickets at an economy rate of just 7.66, proving his worth to the team.

2. Trent Boult to Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020

Mumbai Indians acquired the services of Trent Boult in an all-cash deal from DC ahead of IPL 2020. Before that season, Boult had played only 5 matches in IPL 2019, but upon joining MI, he hit top form. He took 25 wickets at an average of 18.28 and an economy rate of 7.97, helping the team defend their title.

Boult’s ability to strike early with the new ball gave Mumbai a significant advantage. The Mumbai Indians went on to win the championship once again, with Boult playing a major role in the bowling attack alongside his partner Jasprit Bumrah.

1. Quinton De Kock to Mumbai Indians in IPL 2019

Another great deal that Mumbai Indians made was the trade for Quinton de Kock, acquiring him in an all-cash deal from Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2019.

De Kock formed a destructive opening partnership with captain Rohit Sharma, contributing 529 runs in the 2019 IPL season at a strike rate of 132, playing an important role in the team’s success as they lifted their fourth trophy.

In the following season, De Kock had a great time again, scoring 503 runs at a strike rate of 140 and helping the team defend their title, which meant winning the IPL for a record fifth time, a feat that had never been achieved before.

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