"Sources reveal Shardul Thakur joined MI just to recreate and pay it back to CSK"- Top 10 funny memes after MI's trade moves ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Mumbai Indians (MI) have made interesting trade moves ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, bringing in Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford. MI signed Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rutherford from Gujarat Titans (GT) via cash trades to strengthen their squad.

The Hardik Pandya-led side had a decent season last year, reaching Qualifier 2, where they lost to eventual runner-ups, Punjab Kings (PBKS). The five-time champion side lacked some firepower in the middle order last season, a problem rectified this season with the addition of Sherfane Rutherford, a proven hitter in international cricket and across various leagues.

They also added experience to their pace department by roping in Shardul Thakur, who can swing the new ball and has a lot of experience. He is also familiar with MI's home venue, Wankhede Stadium, as he represents Mumbai in domestic cricket.

Fans observed MI's trade moves and expressed their reactions through hilarious memes on X and Instagram. Here are some of the best ones:

"Sources reveal Shardul Thakur joined MI just to recreate this in blue jersey and pay it back to CSK this time," an X post read.

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"Mumbai Indians have cracked it when it comes to value trades" - Aakash Chopra ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra recently analyzed the Mumbai Indians' trades and opined that they made smart decisions. He felt that Shardul Thakur's swing ability might boost their pace attack this season. Speaking on the matter on his YouTube channel, Chopra said:

"Shardul Thakur is a good option for MI. He comes from Mumbai, plays domestic cricket for them and knows the [Wankhede Stadium] very well. MI need a swing bowler, so Thakur is a good option that way. That also starts a speculation as to whether you want to let go Deepak Chahar. "Are you looking to release Chahar to buy him back? Are you thinking of something else? These questions come to mind. I feel Thakur has not come in as a replacement for Chahar. He is possibly going to play with Chahar in IPL 2026."

Aakash Chopra also stated that MI reinforced their lower middle-order by acquiring the services of big-hitting West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford.

"Sherfane Rutherford is a big acquisition. Leaving aside his recent form, he is a good player. He has his issues with wide yorkers, but MI was looking for a lower order batter. Getting a lower order batter for such a price outside of the IPL auction should make you happy. Mumbai Indians have cracked it when it comes to value trades," he added.

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Do you agree with Aakash Chopra's views above about MI's IPL 2026 trade moves? Let us know your opinions in the comments section.

Edited by Balakrishna