IPL 2026: While the buzz around a potential blockbuster trade involving Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Sanju Samson continues to dominate IPL discussions,
another set of player movements seems to be quietly unfolding in the background.
According to sources as per Cricbuzz, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are in advanced talks regarding the possible transfers of Shardul Thakur and Arjun Tendulkar - though not as part of a direct swap.
Reports indicate that both transfers are being discussed as separate, all-cash deals rather than a conventional player exchange. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will need to formally approve any such moves, but insiders familiar with the matter suggest that an announcement could arrive soon - likely alongside the official player retention and release lists expected on November 15.
Shardul Thakur, who is currently captaining the Mumbai team in domestic cricket, was signed by LSG for his base price of ₹2 crore last season after going unsold in the mega auction held in Jeddah. Despite limited success with the bat - managing just 18 runs in 10 matches - Thakur's bowling performances stood out. The pacer picked up 13 wickets and often led the attack with the new ball, providing crucial breakthroughs during the powerplay overs.
Meanwhile, Arjun Tendulkar, who has been part of the Mumbai Indians setup for a few years, could be on the move in search of more playing opportunities. The 26-year-old left-arm pacer and lower-order batter was bought at his base price of ₹20 lakh but found game time hard to come by, featuring in only five IPL matches across two seasons. He has taken three wickets and scored 13 runs in his brief IPL career so far.
Since shifting from Mumbai to Goa in domestic cricket two years ago, Arjun has become a consistent performer in the longer format. However, with Mumbai's star-studded lineup limiting his chances, a switch to Lucknow could provide him the platform to establish himself as a reliable all-rounder.
If finalized, these parallel transfers could add another interesting twist to the pre-auction dynamics of IPL 2025.
