As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are once again preparing to fine-tune their squad in hopes of capturing a record sixth title. After an improved IPL 2025 campaign where they reached the Qualifier 2, MI showed signs of resurgence under Hardik Pandya’s leadership but still missed the trophy.
Following a deep review of performances and bench strength, MI has identified key players to retain and some to release in order to open up salary cap space and refresh their core for the 2026 season.
Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 Recap
- Captain: Hardik Pandya
- Playoff Finish: Lost Qualifier 2 vs Punjab Kings
- Key Concerns: Inconsistent bowling, limited game time for foreign backups, injuries
Despite big names like Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, and Surya Kumar Yadav, MI struggled to convert pressure moments and some high-priced players failed to deliver, prompting major decisions ahead of the mini-auction.
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MI IPL 2026 Retained Players List (Expected)
Mumbai Indians have retained a strong core that includes experienced Indian players, foreign stars, and upcoming youth talent across all departments.
MI Squad Summary for IPL 2026 (Retained So Far)
Batters & Wicketkeepers
- Rohit Sharma
- Surya Kumar Yadav
- N. Tilak Varma
- Jonny Bairstow
- Robin Minz
- Shrijith Krishnan
- Bevon Jacobs
All-Rounders
- Hardik Pandya (Captain)
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Raj Angad Bawa
Bowlers
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Trent Boult
- Arjun Tendulkar
- V. Satyanarayana Penmetsa
- Ashwani Kumar
MI IPL 2026 Released Players List (Likely)
Several underperformers and benchwarmers from IPL 2025 are expected to be released to free up budget and slots, especially in the overseas quota.
| Player Name | Reason for Likely Release |
|---|---|
| Deepak Chahar | Bought for ₹9.25 Cr, took 11 wickets at 9.17 economy |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | Played only 1 match, went expensive; Ghazanfar might return |
| Reece Topley | Featured in just 1 match, surplus to requirements |
| Karn Sharma | Took 7 wickets in 6 games, expensive and predictable |
| Charith Asalanka | No impact and limited role in XI |
| Richard Gleeson | Didn’t get enough opportunities; expected to be released |
| Lizaad Williams | Did not play a single match |
What MI Aims with These Changes?
Mumbai Indians are likely:
- Freeing up salary space to bid big on power-hitters or overseas death bowlers
- Looking for younger Indian pacers and wrist spinners
- Retaining leadership stability with Hardik Pandya
- Keeping faith in top-order combo of Rohit, SKY, Tilak
They’ll likely focus on building depth, especially in the spin and pace departments, and avoid spending big on injury-prone or inconsistent players.
See Also:- IPL 2026 Auction: 8 Underrated Players Who Could Spark Bidding Wars
Final Thoughts
The Mumbai Indians are moving smartly ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. By retaining their core and letting go of expensive underperformers, the franchise is eyeing a strategic rebuild—not a full overhaul. With legends like Rohit Sharma still around and Hardik at the helm, MI fans can expect a fierce auction strategy aimed at bringing the trophy back to Wankhede.
