Arjun Tendulkar to Leave Mumbai Indians for Shardul Thakur in IPL 2026 Trade
Arjun Tendulkar could leave Mumbai Indians in a surprise IPL trade, with Lucknow Super Giants offering two-time champion Shardul Thakur in a blockbuster deal.
A major IPL trade twist could be on the horizon. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Arjun Tendulkar might be on his way out of the Mumbai Indians, with Lucknow Super Giants reportedly offering a blockbuster swap involving two-time IPL winner Shardul Thakur.
Arjun, who joined Mumbai Indians in 2021 for his base price of ₹20 lakh, has been part of the franchise’s setup for four seasons but has seen limited opportunities.
The left-arm pacer has featured in just five matches so far, four in 2023 and one in 2024, taking three wickets and scoring 13 runs. He did not play a single game in the previous season.
If the deal goes through, it would mark a fresh start for both players. Lucknow, who roped in Shardul for ₹2 crore as a replacement player before IPL 2025, reportedly view Arjun as a long-term all-round prospect.
Meanwhile, Mumbai are keen on adding experience and versatility to their pace unit, something Shardul offers in abundance.
Sources told Cricbuzz that while both teams are in talks, it won’t be a direct swap but a “straightforward all-cash transfer.” The BCCI is expected to officially confirm the trade by the retention deadline on November 15.
Shardul, who won IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and 2021, had surprisingly gone unsold at the mega auction last year in Jeddah before being picked up by Lucknow.
He went on to play 10 matches in IPL 2025, taking 13 wickets and making useful lower-order contributions.
The move could end Arjun’s association with the Mumbai Indians, a team deeply connected with his father Sachin Tendulkar, who has been part of the franchise since its inception.
