As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have made some of the most strategic moves during the retention window. After a strong IPL 2025 campaign where they reached Qualifier 2, the Hardik Pandya-led team has focused on retaining its experienced core while preparing targeted fixes in spin, middle-order depth, and backup pace options.
The BCCI has officially confirmed that the **IPL 2026 Auction will be held on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi**. Following the final submission of retention lists on November 15, Mumbai Indians enter the auction with the **lowest purse among all teams — ₹2.75 crore**, and **5 available slots including 1 overseas slot**.
Read more: IPL 2026 Purse Remaining for All 10 Teams
MI have finalised their official retained and released lists for IPL 2026 based entirely on their 2025 season performance evaluation. The franchise has backed all major contributors — including Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya, Deepak Chahar and overseas names like Corbin Bosch, Ryan Rickelton, Mitchell Santner, Will Jacks. Young talents like Naman Dhir, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minz, Raj Angad Bawa have also been retained.
Read Also:- Top 3 Most Successful Teams in IPL History
MI IPL 2026 Retained Players List (Official & Updated)
Mumbai Indians have officially retained 17 players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, keeping their core intact.
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| AM Ghazanfar | Bowler |
| Ashwani Kumar | Bowler |
| Corbin Bosch | All-rounder |
| Deepak Chahar | Bowler |
| Hardik Pandya | All-rounder (Captain) |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler |
| Mitchell Santner | All-rounder |
| Naman Dhir | All-rounder |
| Raghu Sharma | Bowler |
| Raj Angad Bawa | All-rounder |
| Robin Minz | WK-Batter |
| Rohit Sharma | Batter |
| Ryan Rickelton | WK-Batter |
| Suryakumar Yadav | Batter |
| Tilak Varma | Batter |
| Trent Boult | Bowler |
| Will Jacks | All-rounder |
Official MI Purse Remaining: ₹2.75 Crore
Total Players Retained: 17
Total Players in Squad (as per BCCI table): 20
Slots Left: 5
Overseas Slots Left: 1
MI IPL 2026 Released Players List (Official)
| Released Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Bevon Jacobs | All-rounder |
| Karn Sharma | Bowler |
| KL Shrijith | WK-Batter |
| Lizaad Williams | Bowler |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Bowler |
| PSN Raju | All-rounder |
| Reece Topley | Bowler |
| Vignesh Puthur | Bowler |
Mumbai Indians 2026 Squad Analysis – What These Moves Mean
MI’s retention strategy reflects their confidence in the experienced core and young performers. With limited purse remaining and five vacant slots, MI will be laser-focused on filling specific roles rather than engaging in big-money bidding wars.
- An Indian wicketkeeper (top priority)
- A left-arm spinner
- A backup Indian fast bowler
- A power-hitting finishing all-rounder
The blend of Rohit–SKY–Tilak in batting, Hardik–Bosch–Santner among all-rounders, and Bumrah–Boult–Chahar in bowling forms one of the strongest retained cores ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. MI now aim to complete their squad with high-impact, role-focused signings.
Final Thoughts
Mumbai Indians enter the IPL 2026 auction with clarity, stability, and a strong retained group. With only ₹2.75 crore remaining and five slots to fill, MI are expected to make disciplined, strategic buys. Under Hardik Pandya’s leadership and with a powerful core, MI remain strong contenders heading into IPL 2026.
