Mumbai: As the excitement builds around the IPL 2026 Auction, franchises have already begun reshaping their squads through a series of high-impact player trades. With several teams seeking balance, experience, and financial flexibility, this year’s pre-auction trade window has been one of the most eventful in recent seasons.
Below is the latest confirmed list of player trades ahead of the auction:
Sanju Samson → Chennai Super Kings
From: Rajasthan Royals
In exchange for: Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran
In one of the biggest blockbuster trades of the decade, CSK have officially acquired Sanju Samson, bringing the star wicketkeeper-batter to Chennai for the first time in his IPL career. In return, Rajasthan Royals receive veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and England’s white-ball star Sam Curran, strengthening their all-round department significantly.
This is CSK’s first major leadership-oriented move post-Dhoni era, with Samson expected to take up a major role in the middle order and potentially future captaincy responsibilities.
Shardul Thakur → Mumbai Indians
From: Lucknow Super Giants
Trade Fee: INR 2 crore
Mumbai Indians have added Indian pacer Shardul Thakur to their line-up, aimed at bolstering their domestic pace depth after the departure of several bowlers in recent seasons. Thakur returns to his home franchise, where he started his IPL career, offering MI a utility bowler capable of delivering in high-pressure overs.
Sherfane Rutherford → Mumbai Indians
From: Gujarat Titans
Trade Fee: INR 2.6 crore
The West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford joins MI after an impressive season with GT. Known for his finishing ability and power-hitting, Rutherford adds much-needed firepower to Mumbai’s lower order. With MI expected to undergo a rebuild after two underwhelming seasons, the franchise sees Rutherford as a key asset in their middle-order revamp.
Arjun Tendulkar → Lucknow Super Giants
From: Mumbai Indians
Trade Fee: INR 30 lakh
Arjun Tendulkar switches to LSG in search of more game time and a clearer bowling role. Lucknow, who are looking to expand their left-arm pace options, see Arjun as a long-term developmental asset with potential to slot into their rotation-based attack.
Mohammed Shami → Lucknow Super Giants (Expected)
From: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Proposed Trade Fee: INR 10 crore
Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is reportedly close to sealing a move to LSG, a trade that could significantly elevate their bowling lineup. Shami missed the majority of the 2025 IPL season due to injury, but his return to form in international cricket has renewed interest across franchises. SRH’s decision to release him is part of a broader restructuring strategy.
If confirmed, this will be one of the most expensive trades of the pre-auction window.
Additional IPL 2026 Context
Teams are expected to release a large number of overseas stars to free up purse value ahead of the mega auction.
MI, RR, and KKR are among the franchises undergoing major rebuilding phases after underwhelming 2025 seasons.
Several big names like Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell, Venkatesh Iyer, and Quinton de Kock are reportedly on the release radar.
The auction, scheduled for December 2025, is expected to see record bids, especially for fast bowlers and all-rounders.
With the trade window still open, more major moves are expected before the final squad lists are frozen.
