Ashwin Leaks Mumbai Indians' Secret Trade Ahead Of IPL 2026 Auction

While much of the attention has been on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) reportedly looking to trade their star all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, a surprising revelation has come from Ravichandran Ashwin. The veteran off-spinner has claimed that Mumbai Indians (MI) have completed a trade deal for Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

There has been no official confirmation from either franchise, but in his latest YouTube video, Ashwin - who recently announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket - dropped the bombshell, saying:

“I don’t see any releases happening from MI. Will they try to secure a replacement for Deepak Chahar, who’s a bit injury-prone? They have secured Shardul Thakur on a trade from LSG.”

If true, the move will see Thakur turning out for his seventh IPL franchise - having previously represented Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and LSG, along with a successful five-season stint with CSK.

In IPL 2025, Thakur played 10 matches for LSG, taking 13 wickets at an average of 28.84 and an economy rate of 11.02. He had initially gone unsold at the auction and was slated to play for Essex in county cricket before LSG brought him in as a replacement for the injured Mohsin Khan.

Meanwhile, MI, who made the IPL 2025 playoffs before losing Qualifier 2 to Punjab Kings, could benefit greatly from Thakur’s inclusion. 

The all-rounder, currently leading Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, would serve as a valuable back-up option for Chahar, strengthening MI’s domestic core and bowling depth.