‘Thakur has not come in as a replacement for Chahar’ - Aakash Chopra questions MI’s strategy ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Saurav Goyal

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‘Thakur has not come in as a replacement for Chahar’ - Aakash Chopra questions MI’s strategy ahead of IPL 2026 auction image

Mumbai Indians have started shaping their squad for IPL 2026, but their moves have triggered some doubts too.

One of the loudest voices questioning MI’s thinking is Aakash Chopra, who feels the franchise’s recent trades raise more questions than answers.

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With Shardul Thakur joining the camp and Deepak Chahar still around, the discussion on MI’s pace options has suddenly become very interesting..

Why does Aakash Chopra feel Shardul Thakur is not a replacement for Deepak Chahar?

Chopra believes MI didn’t bring in Shardul to push Chahar out. Instead, he feels the franchise wants both players working together.

Shardul’s trade from Lucknow Super Giants was done at his previous fee, and Chopra noted that he understands Mumbai conditions well because of his domestic cricket background. According to him, MI always needed a swing bowler, and Shardul fits that space nicely.

"Shardul Thakur is a good option for MI. He comes from Mumbai, plays domestic cricket for them and knows the [Wankhede Stadium] very well. MI need a swing bowler, so Thakur is a good option that way," said Aakash.

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However, these moves opened up the obvious question- is Chahar going to be released and bought back? Chopra thinks that’s unlikely, as both bowlers offer something different. He hinted that MI might actually be planning to use them together instead of treating one as the other’s replacement.

"That also starts a speculation as to whether you want to let go Deepak Chahar. Are you looking to release Chahar to buy him back? Are you thinking of something else? These questions come to mind. I feel Thakur has not come in as a replacement for Chahar. He is possibly going to play with Chahar. Let's see what Mumbai does." Chopra added.

Shardul has played 105 IPL matches, picking 107 wickets, while Chahar has 88 wickets in 95 games.

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Staff Writer