India, Nov. 13 -- With the retention deadline ahead of the IPL 2026 season fast approaching, teams are trying to place some final pieces before the strategy for the auction in December begins. Mumbai Indians have confirmed the first move of what promises to be a busy trade window for the franchise, as the negotiations between themselves and Lucknow Super Giants are complete, allowing them to confirm the addition of Shardul Thakur to their unit.

Thakur moves over to the city he represents in domestic cricket, having joined LSG as a replacement player after originally being unsold at the IPL 2025 auction. A fast bowler with a decent batting ability, Shardul will be expected to play largely a back-up role to the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and ...