Mumbai's Prodigal Son Returns: Thakur Dons Blue and Gold
In a significant pre-season trade, the Indian Premier League confirmed on Thursday that veteran all-rounder Shardul Thakur has been officially transferred to the Mumbai Indians from the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2026 season. This move marks a poignant homecoming for the 34-year-old Mumbaikar, who will finally represent his home city franchise for the first time in his illustrious IPL career.
A Rollercoaster Journey to Mumbai
Thakur's path to the Mumbai Indians has been anything but straightforward. After the last auction, the seasoned player found himself in an unexpected situation with no takers in the league. This was a surprising turn for a cricketer who had previously showcased his talents for five different franchises.
His IPL journey includes two separate stints with the Chennai Super Kings, bookending his time with the Punjab Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Following his auction disappointment, a resilient Thakur secured a contract with English county team Essex, but astutely included a clause allowing him to depart if an IPL offer materialized.
His breakthrough came when former India pacer Zaheer Khan, then with LSG, alerted him to an opportunity after Mohsin Khan's injury. Thakur was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 2 crore as an injury replacement for the IPL 2025 edition, featuring in 10 games and even holding the Purple Cap for leading wicket-taker at one stage.
Proven Performer with Eye on National Comeback
With 105 IPL games to his name, Thakur brings substantial experience to the Mumbai dressing room. His career statistics are impressive, having taken 107 wickets while also contributing with the bat, evidenced by a highest score of 68. Although he was expensive in the last season, conceding 11.03 runs per over, he still managed to claim 13 wickets from 10 matches.
Beyond the IPL, Thakur has been leading Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season and represented India during the English summer's Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. In white-ball internationals, his most recent appearances include an ODI against Bangladesh in October 2023 and a T20I against West Indies in February 2022 at Eden Gardens.
The all-rounder remains ambitious about his international future, recently stating: "What is important for me is to keep playing matches and perform. To get back into the Indian team, I also need to keep having those good, match-winning performances. I am, of course, eyeing that spot. Whenever the Indian team needs me, I am ready to play international cricket."
What This Means for Mumbai Indians
This acquisition represents a strategic move by the five-time champions to bolster their bowling attack while adding depth to their batting lineup. Thakur's utility as a pace bowler who can contribute crucial runs lower down the order makes him a valuable asset in the T20 format.
For Thakur himself, this trade to his hometown franchise offers not just sentimental value but a prime platform to showcase his skills and make a compelling case for a return to the Indian national team, especially with the ODI World Cup in South Africa on the horizon.
