In a development that could change auction strategies for IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians (mi) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is said to be in advanced discussions for the potential Shardul Thakur-Arjun Tendulkar exchange. While the official definition of IPL cannot be a direct trade, it assumes that both actions can be processed as both cash. According to cricbuzzReports suggest that discussions are at an advanced stage and an announcement could accompany the player capture list, which will be released on November 15.
According to the IPL’s trading protocol, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must officially confirm and disclose any player transfers. However, sources close to Mumbai Cricket confirmed that MI and LSG have been exploring the idea for the past few weeks. The timing of the talks – just before the start of the catch-up period – adds weight to speculation that Mumbai are keen on a change to bolster their bowling depth while freeing up a slot for new auction strategies.
Shardul Thakur’s return to the Mumbai fold on the horizon
Thakur’s IPL journey has come full circle. A product of the Mumbai cricket system, the right-arm seamer has represented multiple franchises over the years Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitalsand lastly, Lucknow Super Giants. He was signed by LSG last season for a base of INR 2 crore after being sold in the 2025 Jeddah Mega auction. In 10 out of 10 appearances in IPL 2025, Thakur has taken 13 wickets, often sharing the new-ball duties and using his trademark seam movement to hit the early breakthroughs. Despite his limited batting returns – just 18 runs – his power economy and wicket-taking ability made him a reliable asset in conditions favoring fast bowlers.
For Mumbai Indians, Thakur’s addition could bolster a bowling unit that struggled with balance and penetration in the middle order last season. As experienced pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorf With often rotating workloads, the inclusion of Thakur, an Indian PACE option – could provide a major advantage under the IPL’s four-foreigner rule. Moreover, his lower-order batting gives him more flexibility to build an all-round depth.
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Arjun Tendulkar’s new chapter outside Mumbai
Meanwhile, Tendulkar might be ready for a fresh start after spending multiple seasons on the Mumbai Indians bench. 20 lakh in consecutive auctions, Tendulkar, who has been in five IPL matches since 2023, taking three wickets and contributing just 13 runs in limited overs. The left-arm pacer-all-rounder has shown steady progress in Domestic Cricket in 2022 since his move to Goa in 2022, where he has improved regular first-class exposure and workload capacity.
With the Lucknow Super Giants emphasizing on building a slim pool of Indian bowlers, Tendulkar may find a better chance of developing under the mentorship of coaches known for nurturing young fast bowlers. LSG investing in a left arm with a wider strategy to cover new ball options quickly Mohsin Khan and Yash thakur.
Although nothing has been finalized yet, sources suggest that both sides will adopt a transparent and cooperative approach in the talks. If approved, the swap would be tactical targets for both teams-Mumbai experience tactically with thakur, getting the prospect of long-term reverse budding and pants. An official announcement expected later in the day could mark one of the more interesting pre-auction deals till IPL 2026.
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