Rutherford Returns to Mumbai Indians in Major IPL Trade
In a significant player exchange ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, the Mumbai Indians have successfully secured West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford from the Gujarat Titans. The trade, confirmed by IPL authorities on Thursday, marks Rutherford's return to the Mumbai-based franchise where he was previously part of the squad in 2020.
Career Journey and IPL Experience
The 27-year-old Caribbean cricketer brings considerable T20 experience to his new team, having featured in 44 T20 Internationals for the West Indies. Rutherford holds a notable record in T20I cricket, having established the highest sixth-wicket partnership of 139 runs with Andre Russell against Australia in Perth.
His IPL journey spans multiple franchises, beginning with Delhi Capitals in 2019 and later representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2022. While he was part of the Mumbai Indians squad in 2020 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, he didn't get opportunities in the playing eleven during those seasons. Across his IPL career, Rutherford has played 23 matches, demonstrating his capabilities as a dynamic middle-order batsman and useful bowler.
Trade Details and Team Strategy
The trade sees Rutherford moving to Mumbai Indians at his existing fee of Rs 2.6 crore, the same amount Gujarat Titans had acquired him for previously. This strategic acquisition comes on the same day that Mumbai Indians strengthened their bowling department by bringing in local talent Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants.
Thakur, the 34-year-old from Palghar on Mumbai's outskirts, had an impressive IPL 2025 season after being picked up as an injury replacement. He claimed 13 wickets from 10 matches and briefly held the Purple Cap for being the leading wicket-taker. With 105 IPL games and 107 wickets to his credit, Thakur's addition alongside Rutherford signals Mumbai Indians' aggressive approach to building a balanced squad for the upcoming season.
Both players are expected to bring valuable experience and specific skills to the Mumbai Indians lineup, with Rutherford providing explosive batting in the middle order and Thakur adding depth to the bowling attack as the franchise aims to reclaim the IPL trophy.
