Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has made a massive statement ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, which is likely to take place next month.
Ashwin confirmed that five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have received Shardul Thakur in a trade from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Mumbai Indians recovered from a poor start in the 2025 season to reach the playoffs. They were eliminated in Qualifier 2 following a stellar performance from Shreyas Iyer. The five-time champions have not reached an IPL final in the past five seasons. They last won the tournament during the 2020 season.
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All ten IPL franchises are set to submit their lists of retained and released players by the November 15 deadline, ahead of the mini-auction scheduled for next month.
MI has secured Shardul Thakur on a Trade from LSG – Ravichandran Ashwin
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that the Mumbai Indians have already completed a trade deal to acquire Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants.
Ashwin stated that MI is unlikely to release any major players before the auction. He added that their primary concern would be finding a suitable backup for the injury-prone Deepak Chahar and possibly adding another spinner to strengthen the squad.
“We don’t see any releases happening. They won’t even release. Their biggest factor will be Deepak Chahar, who’s a bit injury-prone, will they look for a replacement for Deepak Chahar?”
(They won’t even release anyone. Their biggest factor will be whether they will look for a replacement for Deepak Chahar, who’s a bit injury-prone?),” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“They’ve secured Shardul Thakur on a trade from LSG. Woh toh ho chuka hai. They probably will look for a spinner, woh bhi mil jayenge. (That has already happened. They probably will look for a spinner; they will get that too),” He added.
Ashwin accidentally revealed that shardul thakur has been traded to MI …
Ashwin always at the crime scene when you talk abt team leaks 😭😭😭 pic,twitter,cohm,feQA0bHG92
— Sumittttttt (@Sumittt_0707) nohVember 12, 2025
Mumbai Indians Set to Become the Seventh IPL Team of Shardul Thakur’s Career
Shardul Thakur is set to represent his home state franchise, the Mumbai Indians, in the upcoming IPL season. After going unsold in the previous auction, Thakur was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants. He took 13 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 28.85 and an economy rate of 11.03.
Mumbai Indians will be the seventh IPL team of Thakur’s career, following previous stints with Punjab Kings (PBKS), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
The all-rounder recently replaced Ajinkya Rahane as captain of Mumbai’s domestic side and has been in good rhythm since the end of IPL 2025.
Shardul Thakur Has Picked Up More Wickets at Wankhede Than at Any Other Venue
The Mumbai Indians could benefit from Shardul Thakur. The right-arm pacer has a good record at the Wankhede Stadium, where he has claimed more wickets than at any other IPL venue.
The experienced all-rounder has taken 16 wickets in 17 matches at the ground at an average of 35.69 with an economy rate of 9.71. He has also scored 81 runs in 9 innings at a strike rate of 137.29.
Wankhede is one of only three venues, along with Dubai International Stadium and Pune’s MCA Stadium, where Thakur has taken over 10 IPL wickets. His familiarity with the venue could improve his performances in the upcoming season.
Also read: BCCI issues clarification on Shubman Gill’s ouster from T20 World Cup 2026
