With just days left before all ten IPL teams release their retention lists for the 2026 auction, fans and experts are buzzing with predictions. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin joined the discussion on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.

While talking about team strategies, Ashwin accidentally confirmed Mumbai Indians’ new trade deal. The information had appeared in the media only hours before his video.

Ashwin Talks About Retentions

Ashwin discussed the ongoing trade rumours involving Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Sanju Samson between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.

He then spoke about Mumbai Indians’ likely retention plan before the December mini-auction. Ashwin said he does not expect the team to release any big player. But he added that Mumbai wanted a backup for the injury-prone Deepak Chahar.

That’s when he slipped out the news. He said, “I don’t see any releases happening from MI. Will they try to secure a replacement for Deepak Chahar, who’s a bit injury-prone? They have secured Shardul Thakur on a trade from LSG. That is already done.”

The clip went viral on social media soon after.

Shardul Thakur’s Trade Nears Completion

Earlier, a Cricbuzz report said Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants were finalizing a trade. Mumbai would get Shardul Thakur, while Arjun Tendulkar would move the other way.

The report also said both deals were separate, all-cash transfers.

As per IPL rules, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must make an official announcement once a trade is confirmed. Sources in the Mumbai cricket circle said the deals were nearly done. The official confirmation may come on November 15.

Shardul’s Strong Comeback

Shardul Thakur, captain of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team, has a rich IPL history. He won two titles with Chennai Super Kings.

Shardul went unsold in the last mega auction in Jeddah but later joined Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement for the IPL 2025 season. He played 10 matches and took 13 wickets, proving his value once again.