Why was Sherfane Rutherford traded to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sherfane Rutherford traded to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans.
- Trade finalized just two days before IPL 2026 retention deadline.
- Rutherford scored 291 runs in IPL 2025.
- He holds a record for a 139-run partnership in T20s.
- Rutherford's explosive batting will enhance MI's squad dynamics.
New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) West Indies’ batting all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford has been traded to Mumbai Indians (MI) from Gujarat Titans (GT) just two days before the IPL 2026 retention deadline. Previously, MI had exchanged India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 2 crore.
“The talented all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford is now set to don the colors of Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming IPL 2026 season after a successful trade from the Gujarat Titans (GT). GT had acquired him for INR 2.6 crore, and he will continue with MI at the same fee,” stated the IPL on Thursday.
At just 27, Rutherford has played in 44 T20Is for the West Indies and holds the record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20 cricket, achieving a remarkable 139-run stand with the explosive Andre Russell against Australia in Perth.
In his IPL career, Rutherford had earlier played for Delhi Capitals in 2019 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2022. He was part of the MI squad during their title-winning season in 2020 and also with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, although he did not make it to the playing eleven in those years. In 2021, he was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad as a replacement but again did not see any game time.
“With his explosive batting and ability to deliver critical quick-fire innings, along with his skills as a right-arm fast-medium bowler, Rutherford offers valuable balance and firepower to the squad,” MI expressed in an official announcement.
During IPL 2025, Rutherford had a breakout year, scoring 291 runs in 13 matches with an average of 32.33 and a strike rate of 157.30. His role was pivotal, batting at number four after captain Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler.
One of his standout performances in IPL 2025 included a crucial innings of 43 runs off 34 balls, helping GT chase down 204 runs against Delhi Capitals, marking their first successful chase of a 200-plus target in IPL history.