Mumbai Indians just pulled off another trade before IPL 2026 starts. They grabbed Sherfane Rutherford from the Gujarat Titans in a swap deal. MI is paying Rs 2.6 crore to get this West Indies power-hitter. GT agreed to let him go for that same price tag.
They also welcomed Shardul Thakur to the squad from LSG today. These two trades can make a big difference for the five-time champions.
The trade papers are done and the IPL has approved everything. Sherfane Rutherford will wear the blue and gold jersey next season. This guy can change games single-handedly with his big hitting ability.
What Sherfane Rutherford Did for GT Last Year
Sherfane Rutherford had a solid season with the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. He played 13 matches for GT and looked dangerous with the bat. His 291 runs came at a crazy strike rate of 157.29. That number shows he loves going after bowlers from ball one basically.
GT will miss his explosive batting down the order for sure. He won several close games for them with quick cameos last year. MI scouts clearly watched those innings and wanted him badly for IPL 2026.
He’s Been Around IPL Teams Before
This won’t be Sherfane Rutherford’s first time in Indian cricket actually. Delhi Capitals had him back in 2019 when he was younger. Then, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru gave him a shot in 2022 too.
The Mumbai Indians signed him in 2020, but he never played any games. Kolkata Knight Riders also kept him in 2024 without using him much.
So MI is giving him another chance to prove himself now. He’s 27 years old and entering his prime batting years finally. IPL 2026 could be his breakout season if things click right.
His International Numbers Look Pretty Good
Sherfane Rutherford has played 44 T20 matches for the West Indies till now. He’s scored 588 runs at a strike rate of 137.38 there. His bowling isn’t his main thing with just 2 wickets taken.
MI wants him purely for his batting skills in the middle order. GT loses a good player while the Mumbai Indians add firepower for IPL 2026 here.
