Mumbai Indians (MI) are heading into an important phase as they are getting ready for the IPL 2026 mega auction, likely to be held in December. After an up-and-down 2025 season where they showed some good moments but lacked consistency, the five-time champions finished fourth on the points table and will now look to rebuild their team wisely.
The big question now is, who will MI retain, and who might they release? Let’s take a closer look at their situation, possible decisions, and the strategy behind them.
MI’s Current Situation
Mumbai Indians had a roller-coaster 2025 season. While they showed promise under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, a few injuries and inconsistent performances hurt their campaign. The team got qualified for the playoffs, but were eliminated in Qualifier 2.
Heading into IPL 2026, MI’s main goal will be to retain their trusted core, release out-of-form or injury-prone players, and bring in new faces to strengthen their bowling and middle order. The mini-auction gives them a good chance to rebuild their strength.
Players Likely to Be Released
5. Karan Sharma
The middle-order batter couldn’t make the most of his limited opportunities in 2025, he was utilized as specialist leg-spinner and an impact player. MI could release him to scout for a fresh domestic player.
4. Robin Minz
The young wicketkeeper-batter is promising but still developing. With MI likely to look for a more experienced keeper-batter option for the next season, Robin could be released to open up space for a proven performer behind the stumps.
3. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Despite his experience in T20 cricket, Mujeeb didn’t get many chances due to MI’s strong spin options, he only played one match. The team might release him to make space for a domestic spinner or an overseas all-rounder with more batting depth.
2. Reece Topley
The English left-arm pacer only played one match in the 2025 season. He often gave away too many runs in key overs and inconsistent availability, so MI might look for a more dependable overseas fast bowler.
1. Deepak Chahar
The Indian pacer struggled with fitness and rhythm throughout the 2025 season. Given his recurring injuries and high price tag of 9.25 crore, MI may release him to open up funds for a younger, more consistent Indian fast bowler.
Why these players may go
MI’s challenges in 2025 came from inconsistent bowling and middle-order struggles. Releasing these players will give the management more funds and flexibility to buy form players, young Indian pacers, and dynamic overseas options.
What Could Be MI’s Strategy?
Mumbai Indians are known for smart long-term planning. Going into IPL 2026, their focus will likely be:
Building around Indian stars: Keeping the core of Rohit, Hardik, Bumrah, SKY, and Tilak intact.
Strengthening bowling: Looking for an Indian death bowler and a world-class spinner to back Bumrah.
Overseas reshuffle: Finding more reliable all-rounders and power hitters who can adapt to Indian pitches.
Backing youth: Expect MI’s scouting team to target new Indian talents, much like they discovered Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma in previous seasons.
Conclusion
Mumbai Indians’ approach before the IPL 2026 auction will be a mix of continuity and renewal. Retaining their key match-winners while releasing underperforming or injury-prone names will allow them to rebuild smartly.
If they get their auction strategy right, MI can once again become one of the strongest contenders for the title. Fans will be eager to see if the blue and gold army can return to its championship-winning ways with a refreshed and balanced lineup.
Written by Kinjal Walantra