Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians are gearing up for the IPL 2026 auction with a clear squad strategy

Overview:

The release of several overseas bowlers hints at a search for an Indian pacer or spinner, ideally someone suited for death overs.

Mumbai Indians (MI) head into the IPL 2026 mini-auction with INR 2.75 crore. The franchise released nine players, including Reece Topley and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, but retained its main core. The notable surprise was the exit of Vignesh Puthur, who impressed with six wickets in his debut season.

Still, MI remain one of the league’s most settled units, anchored by Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Trent Boult. With most roles secured, MI are expected to make only targeted, role-based buys at the auction.

Mumbai Indians (MI) added Sherfane Rutherford, Shardul Thakur, and Mayank Markande through trades and now enter the mini-auction with five spots, including one overseas slot. With limited funds, MI will focus on uncapped Indian players, aiming to find low-cost impact options.

The release of several overseas bowlers hints at a search for an Indian pacer or spinner, ideally someone suited for death overs. They may also look for an affordable backup keeper and a lower-order hitter. With a small purse, MI won’t enter bidding wars and will instead chase value-for-money domestic talent.

MI’s likely targets ahead of the IPL Auction

KM Asif: Kerala pacer KM Asif is making headlines in this year’s SMAT, leading the tournament’s wicket tally with 15 scalps from six matches. With 55 T20 wickets in 42 games, he brings proven skill in pressure situations. MI will likely track his performances as a potential budget pick.

David Miller: David Miller’s wealth of experience and proven finishing ability makes him an attractive option for MI. They have been searching for a reliable end overs hitter since Kieron Pollard retired, and Miller can provide exactly that punch. His power game suits the batting friendly bounce at Wankhede, where he can take down bowlers with ease. The only challenge is his base price of 2 crore which may stretch MI’s limited purse, but they will still hope he slips through for a bargain.

Akash Madhwal: He created a sensation during his maiden year with MI in 2023 with his unforgettable performance in the eliminator. Though his wicket tally has dipped in recent campaigns, Mumbai often show loyalty to familiar talent. He remains a possible option for a return if the price suits their purse.

Anmolpreet Singh: Punjab batter Anmolpreet Singh is enjoying a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali campaign with 241 runs in seven innings at a blazing strike rate of 172. His ability to inject momentum makes him a tempting option for MI’s Dressing room.

Mukul Choudhary: Rajasthan’s Mukul Choudhary has made a strong impression in domestic cricket, firing 124 runs at a strike rate of 161. His dual role as a keeper and aggressive batter makes him a potential fit for Mumbai’s squad structure.

Tejasvi Singh : Tejasvi Singh has been one of the standout performers in the Delhi Premier League 2025, blasting 339 runs in ten innings at a superb average of 48 and a strike rate close to 190. The 23 year old’s fearless hitting could give MI’s batting lineup a major boost.

Mumbai Indians (MI) Retained Players for IPL 2026 – Allah Ghazanfar, Mayank Markande (T), Mitchell Santner, Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur (T), Tilak Verma, Raghu Sharma, Raj Angad Bawa, Robin Minz, Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Trent Boult, Sherfane Rutherford (T), Suryakumar Yadav, Will Jacks

Released Players – Satyanarayana Raju, Lizaad Williams, Reece Topley, KL Shrijith, Karn Sharma, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Vignesh Puthur, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar (traded)

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...