The Mumbai Indians were eliminated in Qualifer 2 against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.
As we gear up for the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), teams are expected to make a few changes to their squads. As we cruise through the pre-auction window for the next edition, the Mumbai Indians, like every team, will look to restructure, replenish, and build their squads once again.
The five-time IPL champions haven’t lifted the trophy for the last five years. Things changed, the baton of captaincy was passed to Hardik Pandya, and new combinations were tried at the top. But the trophy has eluded the Mumbai Indians (MI) for the longest time. The men in Blue were eliminated after a disappointing loss to the Punjab Kings last season.
The franchise will eye to add some balance and strength to the squad in the upcoming IPL auctions. Here’s a look at the likely MI retentions, possible releases, and how the sea of blue might fare at the Wankhede.
Mumbai Indians do not believe in the ‘chopping & changing’ theory when it comes to team building. For the last few years, they have been playing with the same core of players. Without a doubt, they may go ahead with the same strategy this time around. Here are some of the potential names that the Mumbai Indians will look to retain ahead of the next season:
Hardik Pandya – Premier all-rounder in the country and the captain of the team.
Rohit Sharma – Veteran India player and despite his IPL returns, remains a key figure in the franchise.
Suryakumar Yadav – Best MI batter and one of the best in the world.
Jasprit Bumrah – Best bowler in the world.
Tilak Varma – Young Indian middle order batter with proven record and high upside.
Naman Dhir – Re-acquired via RTM, Dhir lived up to the expectations with sensational death overs hitting.
Here is the full list of likely Mumbai Indians retentions ahead of the IPL 2026 auction:
Mumbai Indians will look to offload some of their players in order to free up the budget. Here are some of the players they will probably release ahead of the next season’s auction:
Mumbai Indians spent INR 9.25 crore in IPL 2025 to acquire Deepak Chahar. However, the right-arm seamer could not deliver what was expected of him. Chahar took 11 wickets in 14 innings at a high economy of 9.17. Expect MI to release him to free up the budget.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman was brought in as a replacement after AM Ghazanfar was ruled out of the IPL 2025. He played only one game and conceded 28 off two overs. MI will retain the young spin sensation Ghazanfar, whom they had bought for INR 4.80 crore.
Reece Topley did not get a game in the previous season. Given his form and injury troubles, they are likely to release him and look for better alternatives.
Here is the full likely Mumbai Indians release list:
ALSO READ:
Here’s how the Mumbai Indians squad might look after all the retentions and release formalities are completed:
Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, Trent Boult, Mitch Santner, Bevon Jacobs, Corbin Bosch, Vignesh Puthur, Karn Sharma, KL Srijith, Raj Bawa, Arjun Tendulkar, AM Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar.
Deepak Chahar, Reece Topley, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Lizaad Williams, Satyanarayana Raju, Robin Minz.
Hardik Pandya is likely to continue leading the team.
While the Mumbai Indians have been one of the most dominating sides in the history of the IPL, they have some loopholes to fill. The franchise needs an Indian seamer, an overseas pacer, and another lower middle hitter. Considering these aspects, here are the potential targets for MI in the IPL 2026 Auction:
The Kiwi is in incredible form across formats, and likely to be a sought after name in the auction. MI’s home venue Wankhede Stadium would suit him perfectly.
Kartik Tyagi has immense promise. He has pace and has the ability to swing the ball as well as bowl yorkers. He would be a good fit at MI with Bumrah to groom him.
Mumbai needs another lower middle order along with Hardik and Naman to give more flexibility. If Sunrisers Hyderabad release him, Abhinav Manohar could be a good option.
Likely retentions include Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, and Naman Dhir.
Possible releases include Deepak Chahar, Reece Topley, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Lizaad Williams, Satyanarayana Raju, Robin Minz.
Mumbai Indians need an Indian seamer, an overseas pacer, and another lower middle hitter.
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
