The IPL retention deadline is fast approaching as players have to name their listg of retained and released players before the window closes on November 15. However, there are lost of rumours regarding players who might be traded from one franchise to another, as the trade window of the cash-rich league remains open. Till now, only two retentions have been formally announced, both by the Mumbai Indians. One of them was the acquisition of Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants in an all-cash deal worth Rs 2 crore. With this, Shardul has created history.
Shardul Thakur was first traded ahead of IPL 2017, when Rising Pune Supergiant acquired him from Punjab Kings. In 2023, Thakur was traded from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders. Hence, the move from LSG to MI, is the third time that the star all-rounder is being traded. Shardul thus becomes the first player in the history of the IPL to be traded three times.
Shardul Thakur now becomes the sixth player in history to play for MI, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - the three most successful franchises in the IPL - after Harbhajan Singh, Tim Southee, Robin Uthappa, Piyush Chawla and Ajinkya Rahane.
Shardul remained unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, but then joined LSG as an injury replacement for Rs 2 crore. He was effective with the ball, picking up 13 wickets in 10 games in IPL 2025.
Mumbai Indians also acquired West Indies batter Shefane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans in an all-cash deal worth Rs 2.6 crore.
Sanju Samson To Join CSK, Jadeja To Move To RR
Multiple reports have confirmed that Sanju Samson is all but set to join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in what is being touted as the biggest trade in IPL history. He is the present captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR). The trade could also take place after the IPL 2026 retention deadline day.
CSK will trade Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR. Jadeja is likely to be named RR's captain for IPL 2026.