Minutes after trading Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians have struck another deal ahead of IPL 2026. The five-time champions have traded West Indies star all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans (GT) for a whopping Rs 2.6 core.
GT's Sherfane Rutherford traded to MI
"West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford is set to represent the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2026 season following a successful trade from the Gujarat Titans (GT). Acquired by GT for a fee of INR 2.6 crore, Rutherford will move to MI at his existing fee.The 27-year-old has featured in 44 T20Is for the West Indies and holds the record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership in T20Is, having stitched together a 139-run stand with Andre Russell against Australia in Perth," IPL's statement read.
Rutherford has played 23 IPL matches so far, having earlier represented Delhi Capitals in 2019 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2022. He was part of the MI squad in 2020 and the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, but did not feature in the playing XI during those seasons," the statement further stated.
Familiar face returns to MI
Rutherford's move to MI for the IPL 2026 season was an all-cash trade, with the five-time champions acquiring him from Gujarat Titans (GT) for his existing fee of Rs. 2.6 crore. The 27-year-old left-handed batter demonstrated his immense potential last season while playing for the Titans. He featured in 13 matches, where he scored an impressive 291 runs at a powerful strike rate of 157.29. Rutherford's history in the league includes stints with Delhi Capitals (2019) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2022). While he was also part of the MI squad in 2020 and the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in 2024, he did not get an opportunity to be named in the playing XI during those seasons.
Talking about Rutherford's profile, has represented the West Indies in 44 T20 Internationals (T20Is), accumulating a total of 588 runs with a consistent strike rate of 137.38. Although primarily known for his batting, the all-rounder also contributes with his right-arm medium-pace bowling, having secured two wickets in T20Is, though he is not a regular bowling option.
Rutherford's acquisition makes him the second major trade signing for the Mumbai Indians in the lead-up to the IPL 2026 season. Earlier on the same day, the franchise had announced the successful signing of India all-rounder Shardul Thakur, signaling MI's proactive approach in strengthening their squad via the trade window.