Top 5 best trades in IPL history

Despite the lingering heartbreak from the World Cup, the cricketing world has swiftly shifted its attention. The ongoing India vs. Australia T20I series is in progress, and today is a significant day as it marks the IPL retention deadline. Several teams have already started announcing the players they plan to retain. The day has arrived for the Indian Premier League 2024 Retention, and all 10 franchises are gearing up to disclose the list of players they intend to keep before the auction.

The much-anticipated headline for the day revolves around the potential return of Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians. Rumours indicate that the move from Gujarat Titans to MI has been solidified as an all-cash deal. Gujarat's purse is set to receive an infusion of Rs 15 crore, and Mumbai Indians are reportedly set to pay a transfer fee for this transaction. Apart from this trade, there have been several other trades which have also benefited the team to a huge extent. Let us look at the top five trades that have taken place in the rich history of the tournament;

Shikhar Dhawan SRH to DC

Shikhar Dhawan began his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals in 2008, then moved to Mumbai Indians for two seasons. Joining Deccan Chargers in 2011, he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) from 2013 to 2018. After being released in 2018, he was re-signed for Rs 5.2 crore. Despite expectations of a prolonged SRH stay, Dhawan expressed a desire to leave before IPL 2019, marking his return to Delhi Capitals after a decade.

To acquire Shikhar Dhawan, Delhi Capitals (DC) engaged in a trade deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), involving three players. Abhishek Sharma, now a key opener for DC, joined the team in 2018. The second player in the trade was Vijay Shankar, who remained with SRH until 2021. The third participant, Shahbaz Nadeem, a senior spinner, is currently associated with Lucknow Super Giants.

Quinton De Kock RCB to MI

In 2019, Royal Challengers Bangalore traded South African wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock to Mumbai Indians, marking the IPL's first trade that year. By then, he had scored 927 runs in 34 matches at an average of 28.09 and a strike rate of 130, boasting a century and six fifties. In the 2018 auction, RCB acquired de Kock for INR 2.8 crore (USD 437,000), and Mumbai Indians secured him at the same price. To balance the deal, they released Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman (INR 2.2 crore, USD 343,000) and Sri Lankan offspinner Akila Dananjaya (INR 50 lakh, USD 78,000).

Trent Boult DC to MI

Mumbai Indians pacer Trent Boult was one of the best bowlers in the powerplay overs in the history of the Indian Premier League. In IPL 2020, he took 14 wickets in the powerplay overs, surpassing any other player. Rajasthan Royals pacer Jofra Archer, with 9 wickets, came in next.

Boult also was the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2020 with 22 wickets. His teammate Jasprit Bumrah, with 27 wickets, topped the list, while DC pacer Kagiso Rabada came in next.

Surprisingly, Trent Boult had been in Delhi Capitals in the last two seasons of IPL, and despite being their best bowler in the 2018 edition, he was traded off to Mumbai Indians before the start of the IPL 2020 season. The deal was settled between both franchises for Rs. 8 crores.

Harshal Patel DC to RCB

Ahead of the IPL 2021 season, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) announced the inclusion of Daniel Sams and Harshal Patel in their squad, both having been part of the Delhi Capitals previously. RCB retained 12 members from their IPL 2020 squad, releasing players like Aaron Finch and Moeen Ali. Notable performers from the last season, including Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj, were retained. The season saw Harshal Patel shine as RCB's leading wicket-taker with a memorable five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians. His exceptional bowling skills and impactful contributions made him a standout player, finishing the tournament with 32 wickets, equaling Dwayne Bravo’s single-edition record.

Rahul Tewatia DC to RR

Delhi Capitals traded leg spinner Mayank Markande and Rahul Tewatia to Rajasthan Royals. After the 12th season of the IPL, Markande had been traded to Delhi Capitals by Mumbai Indians and once again found himself with a new franchise. Tewatia returned to Rajasthan Royals after being traded by Delhi Capitals. Tewatia started his IPL career with RR in 2014 when he was bought for INR 10 lakhs. He also played for them in 2015 before moving to Kings XI Punjab in 2017 and settling with Delhi Capitals in 2018 and 2019.

In this season, Rahul Tewatia made headlines by smashing five sixes in an over towards the end of the match, leading Rajasthan Royals to achieve the highest run chase in IPL history. They secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab at Sharjah.