The Mumbai Indians’ (MI) trade activity is gathering pace ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline. After reports emerged of their interest in Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) pacer Shardul Thakur, the five-time champions are now closing in on Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) leg-spinner Mayank Markande.
According to the Times of India, discussions between the two franchises have reached the final stages, and a formal announcement could arrive soon.
Markande likely to return to his first IPL home
If the deal goes through, it will mark a homecoming for Markande, who began his IPL journey with the Mumbai Indians in 2018. The Punjab leg-spinner had a breakout debut season, claiming 15 wickets in 14 matches, which even earned him an India cap the following year. However, his career trajectory dipped thereafter.
After Rahul Chahar joined MI in 2019, Markande stepped aside. This is despite Markande going up on the scene on his IPL debut when he got MS Dhoni out. Recently, KKR had picked him up for Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction but didn’t field him in a single game. Sources suggest the potential deal with Mumbai is likely to be an all-cash trade, though it is unclear if any player swap is involved.
Interestingly, Markande isn’t the only spinner on Mumbai’s radar. The franchise has also shown interest in Rahul Chahar, another former MI player, though no formal approach has been confirmed. Chahar, currently with SRH, played just one game last season despite being bought for ₹3.2 crore. If the deal is pulled through, Chahar will join his elder cousin Deepak Chahar at MI.
Mayank Markande’s IPL career with MI
| Series | Inns | Overs | W | Best | Avg | S/R | E/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 14 | 44.0 | 15 | 4/23 | 24.53 | 17.60 | 8.36 |
| 2019 | 3 | 6.0 | 1 | 1/23 | 59.00 | 36.00 | 9.83 |
| 2022 | 2 | 7.0 | 1 | 1/26 | 57.00 | 42.00 | 8.14 |
| Overall (3) | 19 | 57.0 | 17 | 4/23 | 28.47 | 20.12 | 8.49 |
MI strengthening Indian core for IPL 2026
Mumbai’s approach this trade window seems clear. They seem adamant in rebuilding a stronger Indian base around their senior stars. Shardul Thakur’s potential arrival from Lucknow would add depth to the all-round and pace-bowling department, while Markande’s inclusion could bolster their spin attack alongside Vignesh Puthur and Karn Sharma. Jasprit Bumrah and Deepak Chahar are already the two established names in the bowling department.
Among overseas players, MI have retained a solid core featuring South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton, New Zealand’s Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner, England’s Will Jacks, and Afghanistan’s Allah Ghazanfar. The mini auction, tentatively set for December 15, will likely see Mumbai hunting for backup overseas pacers and a finisher to complement their existing group.
Mayank Markande IPL career
- IPL seasons: 3 with MI, 2 with SRH & 1 with RR
- Mat: 39
- O: 143.0
- R: 1059
- W: 41
- Best: 4/27
- Avg: 25.83
- S/R: 20.93
- E/R: 7.41
