Mumbai Indians eye Arjun Tendulkar: Shardul Thakur player swap trade ahead of IPL 2026 auctions

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In a development that may reshape pre-auction strategies for IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly in advanced discussions for a potential Shardul Thakur–Arjun Tendulkar exchange. While it may not be a direct trade under IPL’s official definition, reports suggest both moves could be processed as separate all-cash deals. According to Cricbuzz, reports have indicated that the discussions are at an advanced stage, and an announcement could accompany the player retention list set to be released on November 15.

According to IPL’s trade protocol, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must formally approve and disclose any player transfers. However, internal sources from the Mumbai cricket circuit have confirmed that MI and LSG have explored this idea over the past few weeks. The timing of the talks—just before the retention deadline—adds weight to speculation that Mumbai is pursuing a reshuffle to strengthen its domestic bowling depth while freeing up a slot for new auction strategies.

Thakur’s IPL journey has come full circle. A product of the Mumbai cricket system, the right-arm seamer represented multiple franchises over the years—including Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and most recently, Lucknow Super Giants. He was signed by LSG last season for his base price of INR 2 crore after going unsold in the 2025 Jeddah mega auction. Across 10 appearances in IPL 2025, Thakur captured 13 wickets, often sharing the new ball duties and using his trademark seam movement to strike early breakthroughs. Despite limited batting returns—just 18 runs—his powerplay economy and wicket-taking ability made him a reliable asset in conditions favouring the fast bowlers.

For Mumbai Indians, Thakur’s addition could bolster their bowling setup that struggled with balance and penetration in the middle overs last season. With experienced pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Jason Behrendorff often rotating workloads, Thakur’s inclusion may provide a seasoned Indian pace option—a key advantage under IPL’s four-foreigner rule. Moreover, his lower-order batting gives MI more flexibility in building all-round depth.

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Meanwhile, Tendulkar could be ready for a fresh start after spending multiple seasons on the Mumbai Indians bench. Picked at his base price of INR 20 lakh in consecutive auctions, Tendulkar featured in five IPL matches since 2023, taking three wickets and scoring just 13 runs in limited opportunities. The left-arm pacer-all-rounder has shown steady progress in domestic cricket since moving to Goa in 2022, where regular first-class exposure improved his consistency and workload capacity.

With Lucknow Super Giants’ emphasis on building a pool of emerging Indian seamers, Tendulkar may find better chances to develop under the mentorship of coaches known for nurturing young fast bowlers. For LSG, investing in a left-arm quick with potential aligns with their broader strategy to cover new-ball options alongside Mohsin Khan and Yash Thakur.

Though nothing is finalized yet, sources suggest both sides are adopting a transparent and cooperative approach in negotiations. If confirmed, the swap would serve both teams’ tactical goals—Mumbai enhancing its experience quotient with Thakur, and Lucknow acquiring a budding prospect with long-term upside. The official announcement, expected within days, could mark one of the more intriguing pre-auction deals leading up to IPL 2026.

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