The IPL trade window is heating up—and Mumbai Indians are making moves that could reshape their bowling attack for years to come. In an exclusive development first reported by the Times of India, MI are in the final stages of a trade to reacquire leg-spinner Mayank Markande from Kolkata Knight Riders . This isn’t just a routine transfer; it’s a homecoming seven years in the making.
With the IPL 2026 retention deadline looming, the five-time champions are doubling down on spin—a department that’s been inconsistent in recent seasons. And they’re looking to familiar faces to fix it. Markande, now 28, is poised to return to the franchise where he made his IPL debut in 2018, and MI are also reportedly eyeing another former star: Rahul Chahar .
Mayank Markande burst onto the scene in 2018 as an uncapped gem for Mumbai Indians. In his debut season, he delivered a standout performance—most memorably dismissing AB de Villiers with a perfectly disguised wrong’un that went viral . He played 10 matches that year, picking up 15 wickets at an economy of 7.49—a solid return for a rookie spinner in the high-pressure IPL.
But after that promising start, Markande’s IPL journey took him elsewhere: Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and most recently, Kolkata Knight Riders. With KKR in 2024 and 2025, he saw limited game time but remained a dependable option in the nets and during practice sessions. Now, MI see a seasoned, 28-year-old Markande—more mature, more strategic, and ready to slot into a critical role.
According to exclusive reports, conversations between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are now in the final stages . While financial and player-exchange specifics haven’t been disclosed, the mutual interest is clear. For KKR, who boast a stacked spin department with Varun Chakaravarthy and Suyash Sharma, Markande is a surplus asset.
For MI, he’s a calculated, low-risk, high-upside acquisition. Bringing him back costs far less than buying him at auction—and gives them a player already familiar with the franchise’s culture and coaching staff. This is classic MI: smart, economical, and strategic.
Let’s be honest: Mumbai Indians’ spin department has been a weak link. In IPL 2025, their primary spinners struggled with consistency, economy rates, and death-over control. The team finished outside the top four for the third consecutive year—a drought unprecedented in their history .
MI’s current spin options include Piyush Chawla (36), Shams Mulani, and a few uncapped youngsters. They lack a reliable, wicket-taking leg-spinner in the 7–10 over range. That’s where Mayank Markande fits perfectly. His variations—especially the top-spinner and the skidding googly—are tailor-made for middle-overs containment in modern T20 cricket.
But Markande might not be the only spin reunion on the horizon. Sources confirm MI have also shown strong interest in Rahul Chahar, who played for them from 2017 to 2021 and was a key part of their 2019 and 2020 campaigns . After stints with CSK and Punjab, Chahar is a free agent and could be available at a reasonable price.
A Markande-Chahar spin duo would give MI two right-arm leggies with different styles—ideal for splitting overs and keeping batters guessing. It would also restore a sense of continuity and trust in their spin core, something missing since the departure of Rahul and Deepak Chahar in earlier seasons.
This move signals a broader shift in MI’s team-building philosophy. Instead of chasing global superstars at auction, they’re focusing on:
It’s a long-term play—and a smart one. For fantasy cricket managers and fans, this could make MI a dark horse in IPL 2026. Stay updated with our [INTERNAL_LINK:IPL 2026 Team Tracker] for all the latest trades and retentions.
The potential return of Mayank Markande to Mumbai Indians isn’t just a nostalgic headline—it’s a strategic recalibration. By reuniting with a player who understands their DNA and bolstering a critical gap in their bowling attack, MI are laying the groundwork for a strong comeback in IPL 2026. With trade talks nearly finalized and eyes also on Rahul Chahar, the defending champions of the past may be getting ready to rise again. Cricket fans, especially MI loyalists, have every reason to be excited.
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