Shardul Thakur to join Mumbai Indians before IPL 2026? Ravi Ashwin reveals MI's secret trade with LSG

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :November 12, 2025 at 6:51 PM

Modified at :November 12, 2025 at 6:51 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Ravi Ashwin revealed that MI have secured Shardul Thakur in a trade deal with LSG ahead of IPL 2026 auction.

Former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin has revealed that Mumbai Indians (MI) have secured all-rounder Shardul Thakur in a trade deal with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. However, neither franchise has made any such official announcements so far.

Thakur, who went unsold at IPL 2025 mega auction, was roped in by LSG mid-season as a replacement for the injured pacer Mohsin Khan. He played 10 matches for LSG in the tournament, picking 13 wickets at an average of 28.85 and an economy rate of 11.02.

If Ashwin’s claims are true, MI will be the seventh franchise that Thakur will represent in the IPL. He has so far played for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), and LSG.

MI have secured Shardul Thakur in a trade with LSG: Ravi Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin — Ravi Ashwin. (Image Source: BCCI)

While speaking about MI’s possible retentions on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said that the Hardik Pandya-led side has picked Thakur into their squad in a trade deal with LSG. He also said that Deepak Chahar might be the only player that MI could release ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction.

“I don’t see MI releasing any player. Their only question would be around Deepak Chahar, who is a bit injury-prone. They have secured Shardul Thakur on a trade with LSG, that is done,” Ashwin said.

Thakur is currently busy in Ranji Trophy 2025-26, where he is captaining Mumbai. He replaced Ajinkya Rahane as captain of the side ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season. He last played for India in the test series against England in July 2025.

Meanwhile, November 15 is the deadline for all IPL teams to submit their retentions list to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). IPL 2026 mini auction is expected to take place in December.

Shardul Thakur was part of which team in IPL 2025?

Shardul Thakur was part of Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025.

Have Mumbai Indians traded Shardul Thakur from LSG?

According to former Indian cricketer Ravi Ashwin, Mumbai Indians have traded in Shardul Thakur ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.