Mumbai Indians will be mainly looking to strengthen their spin bowling and wicket-keeping departments with big names from the marquee set.
With a solid core comprising captain Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Tilak Varma, Mumbai Indians (MI) has retained five key players, leaving them with a substantial purse of ₹45 crore to invest in new talent in the IPL 2025 Auction and build the team around their core players.
Among the marquee players available, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Jos Buttler stand out as prime targets for the franchise. Let’s take a look at why MI would be interested in securing their services:
Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a leading figure in India’s T20 bowling lineup. In T20 Internationals, he has amassed 95 wickets at an impressive average of 18.47 over 59 matches. His pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign earlier this year, where he claimed 17 wickets in eight games at an average of 12.47 showed his ability and also elevated his reputation.
In the IPL, Arshdeep has been a consistent performer for the Punjab Kings, taking 76 wickets in 65 matches since his debut in 2019. His standout performance last season included 19 wickets in 14 matches, though Punjab Kings fell short of the playoffs.
For Mumbai Indians, acquiring Arshdeep would significantly enhance their bowling arsenal. His ability to deliver under pressure, especially in the death overs, complements Jasprit Bumrah’s expertise, potentially forming a formidable pace duo. Given MI’s history of nurturing young talent, Arshdeep’s inclusion could provide both immediate impact and long-term benefits.
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Yuzvendra Chahal, the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with over 200 wickets in 160 matches, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. His tenure with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) showed his ability to thrive even on batting-friendly pitches, making him a valuable asset.
After being released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Chahal is expected to be in high demand. His consistent performances and knack for breaking crucial partnerships make him an attractive prospect for any franchise.
For Mumbai Indians, who have historically prioritized their pace attack, Chahal’s inclusion would add a new dimension to their bowling lineup. His experience and skill in the middle overs could provide the control and wicket-taking ability that MI has heavily lacked in the spin department in the last few seasons.
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English wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has established himself as one of the premier openers in T20 cricket. His explosive batting style and ability to dominate powerplay overs make him a match-winner.
Buttler’s stint with Rajasthan Royals saw him amass 3,055 runs in 83 matches, including winning the Orange Cap in 2022 with 863 runs.
With the release of Ishan Kishan, Mumbai Indians have a vacancy for a wicketkeeper-opener. Buttler’s aggressive approach aligns with MI’s batting philosophy, and his experience in the IPL adds to his appeal.
Moreover, his previous association with MI in 2016 and 2017 provides familiarity with the franchise’s culture and expectations.
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Acquiring Buttler would not only fill the opening slot but also add depth to the batting lineup. His presence could alleviate pressure on the middle order and offer a reliable option behind the stumps.
With ₹45 crore available, MI has the financial flexibility to pursue at least one of the players mentioned above. However, they must also consider the overall team composition and will need to ward off strong competition from other franchises who have a much higher auction purse available.
As the auction unfolds, Mumbai Indians’ decisions will be pivotal in shaping their campaign for the upcoming season. The inclusion of these marquee players could provide the edge needed to reclaim the IPL title and continue their legacy as one of the most successful franchises in the league’s history.
