Following the acquisition of Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians (MI) have enhanced their roster by trading for West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans (GT) in preparation for the IPL 2026 season. Rutherford will join MI at his current salary of INR 2.6 crore, which will bolster their middle order and bowling capabilities.
The 27-year-old Rutherford has participated in 44 T20 internationals for the West Indies, where he set the record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20Is, partnering with Andre Russell for a 139-run stand against Australia in Perth. In the IPL, he has played 23 matches, representing Delhi Capitals (2019), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2022), and Kolkata Knight Riders (2024).
Rutherford was part of the MI squad in 2020 but did not make it to the playing XI. He has played 23 IPL matches, accumulating 397 runs with an average of 24.81 and a strike rate of 137.37. So far, he has yet to score a half-century, with his highest score being 46, and has recorded 25 fours and 26 sixes.
During the 2025 season, he played in 13 matches, scoring 291 runs at a significantly improved average of 32.33 and a strike rate of 157.30. In that season, he managed to hit 22 fours and 18 sixes.
Additionally, LSG all-rounder Shardul Thakur has been traded to MI for his existing fee of INR 2 crore. Thakur joined LSG as an injury replacement in IPL 2025, participating in 10 matches. Renowned for his adaptability and key performances, he has proven to be a valuable player for every franchise he has played for.
With the addition of Rutherford and Thakur, Mumbai Indians are looking to enhance both their batting and bowling options, providing coach Mark Boucher with greater flexibility as the team prepares for a competitive IPL 2026 season.
MI has claimed the IPL title five times, making them one of the most successful teams alongside Chennai Super Kings. However, they have not won the trophy since 2020. Their previous season concluded in Qualifier 2, where they were defeated by Punjab Kings by five wickets.
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