The IPL trade window is buzzing with activity as teams ফাইন-tune their squads ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. With the retention deadline looming on November 15, franchises are scrambling to complete deals and finalize their lists of retained and released players.

Mumbai Indians Active in Trade Market

Mumbai Indians (MI) have emerged as early movers, securing two players through all-cash deals. They have acquired all-rounder Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹2 crore and West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹2.6 crore. R Ashwin seemingly confirmed the Shardul Thakur trade in a YouTube video. The acquisition of Rutherford is considered a somewhat surprising move, and how MI intends to utilize him remains to be seen. In another potential move between MI and LSG, Arjun Tendulkar may head to Lucknow.

Shami attracting interest

While Shardul Thakur is on his way to Mumbai Indians, there are reports of other teams showing interest in Mohammed Shami. Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly in early talks regarding the Indian pacer.

Other potential player movements

The trade window, which remains open until a week before the auction, is witnessing discussions involving several high-profile players. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are reportedly awaiting BCCI approval for a swap deal involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran. If the deal goes through, Rajasthan would get veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and young all-rounder Sam Curran, while Chennai would add a proven wicketkeeper-batsman to their lineup. There are also rumours that Ravindra Jadeja has requested the RR management to make him the Rajasthan Royals captain.

Punjab Kings' all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been discussed as a potential trade with Rajasthan Royals.

Gujarat Titans intend to give Washington Sundar a bigger role in IPL 2026 and denied CSK's request to trade for him as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin.

KKR Captaincy Question

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may need a new captain as there are rumours that they will release Ajinkya Rahane ahead of the auction.

Retention Deadline and Auction Details

All ten franchises are set to announce their final lists of retained and released players on November 15, ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The auction is scheduled to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.