New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) As the five-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Mumbai Indians have ignited the excitement for the 2026 season with the recent trades of Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford. The retention deadline is looming on November 15, making the trading window even more captivating.

The acquisition of Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rutherford from Gujarat Titans (GT) has heightened expectations for squad changes and strategic exchanges, alongside potential releases from the ten franchises.

In an exclusive discussion with sources familiar with the IPL trading landscape, IANS has gathered insights that a series of significant trades are anticipated leading up to the retention deadline.

A notable transaction in this retention phase is the trade involving Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja along with Sam Curran, between the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings. This deal is reportedly progressing smoothly. IANS learned that Manoj Badale, the lead owner of RR, was present in Kolkata recently and may have engaged with Jadeja, who is in the city for the inaugural India-South Africa Test at Eden Gardens.

Badale, who resides in England, is overseeing trade discussions during his stay in India until Friday, as CEO Jake Lush McCrum is no longer with RR. It appears that the Jadeja-Samson exchange is on track, given that it involves players from the same country.

Initially, there was speculation about Samson being transferred to the Delhi Capitals, but with that deal falling through, the previous arrangement has resurfaced and is now gaining traction.

For Sam Curran to join the Royals (acquired by CSK last year for INR 2.4 crore), RR must release some overseas players to facilitate the deal and demonstrate their interest in the players they will release and the funds they will free up. The announcement regarding this swap could happen as early as Friday or coincide with the retention announcements.

Excluding the 2016 and 2017 seasons when CSK and RR faced suspensions, both Samson and Jadeja have been integral to their respective teams. Jadeja has celebrated three IPL titles with CSK, while he was part of RR's title-winning team in 2008 and played in the 2009 season. Samson led RR to a runners-up finish in IPL 2022, but following a disappointing ninth place in IPL 2025, there were hints of him seeking a new opportunity.

Additionally, IANS has learned that veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami might be traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to LSG, as SRH is exploring all options regarding him. Sources close to the situation have indicated that Shami's trade is in progress, with an official announcement expected unless last-minute changes occur, potentially resulting in his release into the auction pool.

The Mumbai Indians have been aggressive in this trading window and are reportedly considering trading left-arm fast-bowler Arjun Tendulkar to LSG. Tendulkar, who has been with MI since IPL 2023, was reacquired for his base price of INR 30 lakh during the last mega auction. There is optimism that Tendulkar could receive more playing time at LSG, having not featured much during his tenure with MI.

Moreover, it is understood that Mayank Markande, a leg-spinner who played for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, could also be headed to MI. Ongoing discussions between KKR and MI about Markande are still underway, though the outcome remains uncertain.

As the IPL 2026 trade and retention window approaches its deadline, passionate fans can expect a surge of announcements in the next couple of days. With numerous negotiations occurring behind the scenes, the excitement is far from over.