IPL 2026 Auction: Top 7 Biggest Trades In IPL 2026

One of the most exciting pre-season stories in tournament history is already the IPL 2026 Auction. Blockbuster IPL 2026 Trade has changed team combinations, forced strategic changes, and shocked fans worldwide even before the hammer is dropped. Several teams made bold choices as they prepared for a new competitive cycle, including trading iconic stars, releasing major names, and acquiring high-value players to cover critical voids.

 

This article delves more into the Top 7 Biggest Trades of IPL 2026, examining the implications of each trade for the participating clubs and how it might affect the upcoming season.

 

Top 7 Biggest Trades in IPL 2026 (Confirmed)

 

 

1. Sanju Samson → Chennai Super Kings (₹18 Crore Valuation)

The largest trade in IPL history: Ravindra Jadeja + Sam Curran -> Rajasthan Royals

Officially, this trade is:

The largest and most costly trade in IPL history.

Trade Information:

• To CSK: Sanju Samson
• To RR: Ravindra Jadeja + Sam Curran
• Samson’s Valuation: ₹18 Crore (2025 trade window)
• Jadeja’s Valuation: ₹14 Crore

The IPL has never seen a captain exchange for two elite all-rounders.

Both teams' identities were altered by this massive transfer, which became the main event of the 2026 Indian Premier League.

Also Read IPL Auction 2026: The Jadeja-Curran-Samson Trade: Current Situation and Potential Futures

Also Read IPL 2026 Auction Rajasthan Royals: Retained & Released List — Squad & Auction Plan

2. Mohammed Shami → Lucknow Super Giants (₹10 Crore Cash Deal)

• From: Hyderabad Sunrisers
• To: Super Giants of Lucknow
• Value: ₹10 crore (cash only)

Shami is one of LSG's greatest additions as they rebuild for IPL 2026 because of his new-ball experience and ability to take wickets.

3. Nitish Rana → Delhi Capitals (₹4.2 Crore Cash Deal)

• From: Royals of Rajasthan
• To: Capitals of Delhi
• Value (all-cash): ₹4.2 crore

Rana was a dependable middle-order left-hander that DC sought to add to their batting base.

4. Sherfane Rutherford → Mumbai Indians (₹2.6 Crore Cash Deal)

• From: Titans of Gujarat
• To: Indians of Mumbai
• Value (all-cash): ₹2.6 crore

Rutherford was bought by MI to strengthen their lower-middle order and provide a clean-hitting alternative for the last overs.

5. Shardul Thakur → Mumbai Indians (₹2 Crore Cash Deal)

• From: Super Giants of Lucknow
• To: Indians of Mumbai
• Value: ₹2 Crore (Cash Only)

Shardul gives MI's team a reliable Indian all-rounder option at a reasonable cost.

Also Read IPL 2026 Auction: Shardul Thakur's INR 2 Crore Trade to the Mumbai Indians

6. Arjun Tendulkar → Lucknow Super Giants (₹30 Lakh Cash Deal)

• From: Indians of Mumbai
• To: Super Giants of Lucknow
• Value: ₹30 lakh (cash only)

Arjun gets a chance to come back and grow his IPL career as a depth bowling move for LSG.

7. Mayank Markande → Mumbai Indians (₹30 Lakh Cash Deal)

• From: Knight Riders of Kolkata
• To: Indians of Mumbai
• Value: ₹30 lakh (cash only)

MI boosted its spin department with an experienced, low-budget solution.

Why the 2026 IPL Will Have the Biggest Trade Window Ever

• Mega Swap in History: The Samson-Jadeja-Curran deal changed the course of IPL trades.
• Cash Transfers of Several Crores: High-value movements were led by Shami (₹10 Cr), Rana (₹4.2 Cr), and Rutherford (₹2.6 Cr).
• Rebuilding Teams Before Auction: LSG, MI, DC, and RR implemented astute cash-trade tactics.
• Initial Captain-for-All-Rounders Exchange: Samson, a captain, has never previously been exchanged for two top all-rounders, Curran and Jadeja.

 

Also Read

IPL 2026 Auction Mumbai Indians: Retained & Released List — Squad & Auction Plan

Suryavanshi Smashes 2nd-Fastest T20 Century By An Indian