The IPL 2026 trade window has delivered the most dramatic, expensive, and historic player movements the league has ever seen.
This year trade activity featured record-breaking valuations, star-for-star exchanges, and multi-crore cash transfers that completely reshaped team combinations before the mini-auction.
From Sanju Samson ₹18 crore blockbuster deal to Mohammed Shami high-value switch, here are the Top 7 biggest trades of IPL 2026, based purely on the latest confirmed information you provided.
Top 8 Biggest Trades in IPL 2026 (Confirmed)
| Rank | Player | From | To | Trade Value | Deal Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanju Samson | RR | CSK | ₹18 Cr | Swap + Valuation |
| → | Ravindra Jadeja | CSK | RR | ₹14 Cr | Swap |
| → | Sam Curran | CSK | RR | ₹2.4 Cr | Swap |
| 2 | Mohammed Shami | SRH | LSG | ₹10 Cr | All-Cash |
| 3 | Nitish Rana | RR | DC | ₹4.2 Cr | All-Cash |
| 4 | Sherfane Rutherford | GT | MI | ₹2.6 Cr | All-Cash |
| 5 | Shardul Thakur | LSG | MI | ₹2 Cr | All-Cash |
| 6 | Donovan Ferreira | DC | RR | ₹1 Cr | All-Cash (Revised Fee) |
| 7 | Arjun Tendulkar | MI | LSG | ₹30 Lakh | All-Cash |
| 8 | Mayank Markande | KKR | MI | ₹30 Lakh | All-Cash |
1. Sanju Samson → Chennai Super Kings (₹18 Crore Valuation)
Ravindra Jadeja + Sam Curran → Rajasthan Royals — Biggest Trade in IPL History
This trade is officially:
The most expensive & biggest trade EVER in IPL history.
Trade Details:
- To CSK: Sanju Samson
- To RR: Ravindra Jadeja + Sam Curran
- Samson’s Valuation: ₹18 Crore (2025 trade window)
- Jadeja’s Valuation: ₹14 Crore
A captain traded for two superstar all-rounders — something the IPL has never seen before.
This mega-swap changed the identity of both franchises and became the headline trade of IPL 2026.
Also see: RR IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
2. Mohammed Shami → Lucknow Super Giants (₹10 Crore Cash Deal)
Trade Details:
- From: Sunrisers Hyderabad
- To: Lucknow Super Giants
- Value: ₹10 Crore (All-Cash)
Shami’s new-ball experience and wicket-taking ability make this one of the biggest signings for LSG as they rebuild for IPL 2026.
Also see: MI IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
3. Nitish Rana → Delhi Capitals (₹4.2 Crore Cash Deal)
Trade Details:
- From: Rajasthan Royals
- To: Delhi Capitals
- Value: ₹4.2 Crore (All-Cash)
DC targeted Rana as a reliable middle-order left-hander to strengthen their batting core.
Also see: GT IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
4. Sherfane Rutherford → Mumbai Indians (₹2.6 Crore Cash Deal)
Trade Details:
- From: Gujarat Titans
- To: Mumbai Indians
- Value: ₹2.6 Crore (All-Cash)
MI acquired Rutherford to boost their lower-middle order and add a clean-hitting option for finishing overs.
Also see: KKR IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
5. Shardul Thakur → Mumbai Indians (₹2 Crore Cash Deal)
Trade Details:
- From: Lucknow Super Giants
- To: Mumbai Indians
- Value: ₹2 Crore (All-Cash)
Shardul adds a proven Indian all-rounder option to MI’s squad at a smart price point.
Also see: CSK IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
6. Donovan Ferreira → Rajasthan Royals (₹1 Crore Cash Deal)
All-rounder Donovan Ferreira returns to his first IPL franchise, Rajasthan Royals, after a confirmed trade from Delhi Capitals.
- From: Delhi Capitals
- To: Rajasthan Royals
- Revised Value: ₹1 Crore (increased from ₹75 lakh)
The Royals upgraded Ferreira’s valuation due to his finishing skills and all-round impact, making him one of the smartest mid-range trades of the season.
Read moreL=
7. Arjun Tendulkar → Lucknow Super Giants (₹30 Lakh Cash Deal)
Trade Details:
- From: Mumbai Indians
- To: Lucknow Super Giants
- Value: ₹30 Lakh (All-Cash)
A depth bowling move for LSG, Arjun gets an opportunity to revive and expand his IPL career.
Also see: RCB IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
8. Mayank Markande → Mumbai Indians (₹30 Lakh Cash Deal)
Trade Details:
- From: Kolkata Knight Riders
- To: Mumbai Indians
- Value: ₹30 Lakh (All-Cash)
MI strengthen their spin department with a low-budget but experienced option.
Also see: SRH IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players list
Why IPL 2026 Has the Biggest Trade Window Ever
✔ Historical Mega Swap
Samson–Jadeja–Curran deal rewrote IPL trade history.
✔ Multi-Crore Cash Transfers
Shami (₹10 Cr), Rana (₹4.2 Cr), Rutherford (₹2.6 Cr) led high-value movements.
✔ Teams Rebuilding Before Auction
LSG, MI, DC, and RR executed smart cash-trade strategies.
✔ First Captain-for-All-Rounders Trade
Never before has a captain (Samson) been traded with two elite all-rounders (Jadeja & Curran).
Also see: DC IPL 2026: Retained & Released Players List
Final Thoughts
The IPL 2026 trade window stands out as the most explosive ever, led by the historic Sanju Samson mega-deal. With cash-heavy moves like Shami, Rana, Rutherford, and the latest Donovan Ferreira upgrade, teams have aggressively reshaped their cores even before the mini-auction. These eight trades define the dramatic shift in team strategies and set the stage for a blockbuster December auction.
Like to know? IPL 2026 Retained Players List
Cricket fans can expect entirely refreshed team combinations in IPL 2026 — and this list captures the biggest trades that shook the season before a single ball was bowled.
