‘We were looking to get Jasprit Bumrah’ – GT coach Ashish Nehra reveals surprising trade deal with MI before IPL 2026

Gujarat Titans (GT) head coach Ashish Nehra gave a hilarious response in the press conference when asked about the Sherfane Rutherford trade ahead of the start of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Rutherford joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) on a trade deal from GT ahead of the mini auction. When asked about whether the 2022 champions were interested in any MI player in exchange for the West Indies international or if it was only a cash-only deal, Nehra gave a kind of response synonymous to his cheeky style.

“We were looking to get Jasprit Bumrah in exchange, but they [MI] did not agree,” the former India seamer responded. 

Despite Nehra taking the matter in a light-hearted manner, Rutherford will be a huge miss for the GT ahead of the new IPL season. The left-handed batter played 13 times for the Ahmedabad-based outfit, scoring 291 runs at an average of 32.33 whilst striking at 157. Even in the recently concluded 2026 T20 World Cup, the 27-year-old produced some great performances, most notably against England, where he scored an unbeaten 76 off 42 balls, an innings which comprised seven sixes.

GT, however, does have overseas backup for Rutherford. They retained Glenn Phillips for the 2026 season and picked up Rutherford’s Caribbean compatriot Jason Holder in the mini auction for INR 7 crore. The duo will provide enough depth in the middle order whilst also capable of giving their side two or three overs if required.

MI, on the other hand, have bolstered their already strong middle order with the signing of Rutherford. The former Delhi Capitals (DC) batter will find himself battling against other overseas players like Mitchell Santner and Will Jacks for a place in the playing XI.

MI are set to open their IPL campaign on the second day with a home game against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, 29 March.

GT, meanwhile, will have to wait till Tuesday to play their first game, away against the Punjab Kings, on March 31.