Thakur, who\u2019s played 13 Tests, 47 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India, was traded to MI from Lucknow Super Giants, a side where he was a support bowler in 2010. In 105 IPL games, Thakur has taken 107 wickets, with a highest score of 68 as a batter.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Thakur captains Mumbai in the domestic cricket circuit and also honed his cricketing skills in the city after coming from Palghar. Apart from him, MI also traded in Sherfane Rutherford and Mayank Markande.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very pleased with the balance we\u2019ve been able to build after the auction. Shardul (Thakur) gives us a different structure with his versatility, experience and all-round depth. Him being a Mumbai boy \u2026 It's a great story from where he started and then became part of Mumbai Indians.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSherfane (Rutherford) is someone we\u2019ve rated highly for a long time, and adding an overseas left-handed power-hitter gives us the flexibility we always look for. We\u2019ve also brought back players like Mayank (Markande), who not only understand the MI philosophy but have also previously made an impact here.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat continuity and clarity of role is something we value deeply, even if players sometimes go away in big auctions, we always keep an eye on their progress and bring them back when the structure allows,\u201d said Jayawardene in a video posted by the franchise on their social media accounts on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
MI had reached Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025, and Jayawardene said the five-time champions are hoping for Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar to make a difference with his mystery spin. Ghazanfar missed out on IPL 2025 due to a fracture in his vertebra.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat continuity and clarity of role is something we value deeply, even if players sometimes go away in big auctions, we always keep an eye on their progress and bring them back when the structure allows,\u201d said Jayawardene in a video posted by the franchise on their social media accounts on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019re also really excited to finally have Allah Ghazanfar available in our set-up. We\u2019ve always known his talent and what a mystery spinner brings to our attack. He\u2019s progressed really well after his injury, and we\u2019re looking forward to helping him evolve within the MI environment,\u201d added Jayawardene.<\/p>\r\n\r\n