Shardul Thakur becomes first player in IPL history to record three all-cash trades

Mumbai Indians sign Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants in a ₹2 crore all-cash deal, marking his record-breaking third franchise trade in the IPL.

Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur has scripted IPL history by becoming the first player ever to be involved in three all-cash franchise trade deals. The IPL confirmed that Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed him from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the 2026 season for his full salary of ₹2 crore.

Shardul, who went unsold in last year’s mega auction, was later brought in by LSG as an injury replacement for the same amount. He featured in 10 matches, taking 10 wickets with an economy rate of 11.02.

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With this move, Shardul will now represent his seventh IPL team. Over the years, he has played for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), LSG, and now Mumbai Indians.

This marks the third time he has been traded in an all-cash agreement. He first moved from PBKS to RPSG in 2017 for ₹10 lakh, and later from DC to KKR in 2023 for ₹10.75 crore. His latest transfer to MI now sets a new milestone in IPL trade history.

Shardul’s consistent movement between franchises highlights his continued value as an Indian seam-bowling all-rounder.