Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur is set to join Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. It is understood that both Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and MI have submitted an expression of interest to the IPL governing council, which will ratify the trade once the formal process is completed.

According to ESPNcricinfo, MI have reached an in-principle agreement with LSG to acquire Thakur through an all-cash trade deal. This marks the third trade involving Thakur in IPL history. Back in 2017, Rising Pune Supergiant bought him from Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), and before the 2023 season, Kolkata Knight Riders procured him from Delhi Capitals, both transactions also being all-cash deals.

Thakur, who went unsold at the 2025 mega auction, was later picked up by LSG as a replacement for Mohsin Khan at his base price of INR 2 crore. Initially, the move seemed promising, as he claimed six wickets in his first two matches of IPL 2025. However, his form dipped as the season progressed, as he  managed 13 wickets in 10 matches with an economy rate of 11.02.

For Thakur, the move to Mumbai represents a homecoming. He was part of MI’s setup as a support bowler from 2010 to 2012 and has since captained Mumbai in domestic cricket. His familiarity with the franchise and conditions could prove vital as MI look to strengthen their pace department.

Earlier, former Indian cricketer R Ashwin inadvertently revealed details of a potential trade involving Thakur and Deepak Chahar, suggesting MI had brought in Thakur in exchange for Chahar, who has struggled with recurring injuries.

However, a Cricbuzz report later claimed that MI and LSG are engaged in separate discussions involving cash-based deals for Thakur and Arjun Tendulkar, rather than a direct player swap. The IPL authorities are expected to finalise and announce the trade once the necessary paperwork is completed.