When we look at the journey of the Indian fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, one fact leaps out: he has become the first player ever to don the colours of the three most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) โ Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) โ in his IPL career.
Here is the story of how that unfolded, why it matters, and what it reveals about both Thakurโs career and the IPL ecosystem.
The franchises and their significance
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): One of the most enduring and successful franchises in IPL history, with multiple title wins and a reputation for stability.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Another heavyweight in the IPL, with multiple championships and a massive fanbase.
- Mumbai Indians (MI): The most decorated side in IPL, with several championships and a strong brand in Indian cricket.
For a player to represent just one of these giants is notable; to have played for all three is exceptional.
Thakurโs IPL caravan: From CSK to KKR to MI
Early steps & CSK era
Thakur made his IPL debut with Punjab Kings (then Kings XI) in 2015. He later joined CSK ahead of the 2018 season. With CSK, he enjoyed some of his best IPL moments โ including being a key wicket-taker in the 2021 season.
Transition to KKR
In November 2022, Thakur moved to KKR via a trade from Delhi Capitals. This move marked his entry into another IPL heavyweight franchise.
Now, MI enters the story
In November 2025, Thakur was traded from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to MI ahead of the IPL 2026 season. With this trade confirmed, the unique milestone was cemented: he now becomes the first player to represent all three of these franchise-giants.
What it means for the player & the franchises
- For Thakur: He inherits not just a new jersey, but the legacy, expectations and scrutiny of a five-time champion side (MI). He has the chance to redefine his value in perhaps the most competitive set-up in IPL.
- For MI: Acquiring a player with experience in CSK and KKR gives them a unique insiderโs perspective and a proven performer under pressure.
- For CSK & KKR: They each contributed to his growth; seeing a former player align with a rival giant reflects the shifting allegiances in modern professional sport.
The broader narrative
Thakurโs path highlights how the IPL has matured: from simple auctions to complex trades, from franchise-loyalty to career mobility. It also reminds us that even established franchises scout for value โ sometimes an all-rounder like Thakur, who may not always dominate headlines, is the glue in crucial matches.
When we say that Shardul Thakur โmade historyโ, itโs not just about a stat or a trade. Itโs about a journey โ from domestic cricket to IPL stardom, from one franchise to the next, crossing the triad of Indian T20 power-houses. Itโs a story of adaptation, timing and opportunity.
As the IPL 2026 season approaches with Thakur now in MI colours, one will watch whether this new chapter becomes his most defining. Whether he becomes a linchpin in MIโs bowling group, or whether the weight of expectation shifts him into a new role โ the stage is set.
