In a significant development ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline, West Indies batting all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford has been traded from Gujarat
Titans (GT) to the Mumbai Indians (MI).
The IPL governing council confirmed the move officially, stating that Rutherford will join the five-time champions Mumbai Indians for the same fee of INR 2.6 crore that he was acquired by Gujarat Titans for last season.
The 27-year-old powerhouse has brought dynamism as a middle-order batter with his explosive batting and handy bowling skills. Over his IPL career, Rutherford has played 23 matches, representing multiple franchises such as Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and having stints in Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders squads as well, although he did not play matches in some seasons.
Rutherford is also well-known for his international exploits, with 44 T20 internationals under his belt for the West Indies and holding the record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20s, a staggering 139-run partnership with Andre Russell against Australia.
Sherfane Rutherford creates IPL History
Sherfane Rutherford, as he moves to MI, has become the first-ever player in IPL history to be traded twice to the same franchise. In the IPL 2020, the West Indies batter was traded to MI from Delhi Capitals. The repetition in 2025 may have come via Gujarat Titans, but it has become a first.
Gujarat Titans, after a mixed 2025 campaign where their middle order required reinforcement, decided to trade Rutherford as they prepare for strategic changes. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians are set to bolster their middle order as they aim for another IPL title in 2026, adding the explosive Rutherford to their ranks.
This trade comes in the wake of Mumbai Indians' earlier acquisition of Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur in an all-cash deal for INR 2 crore from Lucknow Super Giants.
