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The Mumbai Indians, the most decorated franchise in IPL history, are at a crucial crossroad. MI are heading into the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction with a clear mission: reshaping, not a complete overhaul. It has been five long years since the franchise tasted IPL glory, and the past few seasons have been defined by off-field drama surrounding the Hardik Pandya-Rohit Sharma captaincy swap.

Despite the noise, MI showed their champion spirit by fighting their way to Qualifier 2. Now, they must be ruthless with their retentions to ensure the squad is perfectly balanced to claim the elusive sixth trophy.

Also Read: RCB Retention list ahead of IPL 2026: Who will the Defending Champions let go?

MI Retention Strategy

Mumbai Indians’ strategy for 2026 will be based on maintaining its world-class spine while heavily investing in Indian youth to build long-term stability. The Pillars Hardik, Rohit, Bumrah and SKY form the franchise’s unshakeable core. Hardik Pandya is the future-facing, dynamic captain and prime all-rounder. Rohit Sharma is the irreplaceable legend whose experience and opening foundation are vital. Jasprit Bumrah is the most priceless T20 bowler on the planet, guaranteeing death-over mastery. Suryakumar Yadav is the middle-order engine, essential for his high-strike-rate, 360-degree batting.

The future Indian star, Tilak Varma, is the biggest success story from their development system in recent times, seen as a long-term anchor and future leader. Naman Dhir will be retained for his explosive finishing skills and utility as an Indian all-rounder. The Overseas slots will be taken by Boult, Santner, Jacks, and Rickelton. Trent Boult is the new-ball destroyer, crucial for early wickets. Mitchell Santner is the economical overseas spin option who also adds batting depth. Will Jacks provides multi-utility as a power-hitter and handy off-spinner. Ryan Rickelton secured his spot with his successful, aggressive opening partnership with Rohit Sharma last season.

To round off their retention list, the franchise shall retain a few depth players like Raj Angad Bawa, Ashwani Kumar, Krishnan Shrijith and Bevon Jacobs. These players provide necessary depth and represent Mumbai’s long-term talent grooming.

Who will the 5-time IPL champions release?

To free up the maximum possible purse, they must make hard, data-driven decisions on high-value and under-performing assets. The biggest financial release is likely Deepak Chahar (₹9.25 Crore). His high price tag and inconsistent returns, coupled with injury concerns, make him a costly luxury that the franchise cannot afford if they want to improve their bowling attack. Other expensive or surplus releases include the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Overseas Spinner), Reece Topley (Overseas Pacer), Robin Minz (Backup Keeper-Batter), Arjun Tendulkar (Left-arm Pacer), Allah Ghazanfar (Spinner), Satyanarayana Penmetsa (Bowler) and Karn Sharma (Veteran Spinner).

By letting these players go, the Mumbai Indians can target specific gaps in the auction: a top-quality Indian spinner and a reliable Indian pacer to support Bumrah.

MI Probable Retention List (14 Players)

Hardik Pandya (All-rounder, C)

Rohit Sharma (Batter)

Jasprit Bumrah (Bowler)

Suryakumar Yadav (Batter)

Tilak Varma (Batter)

Trent Boult (Bowler, O)

Will Jacks (All-rounder, O)

Mitchell Santner (All-rounder, O)

Ryan Rickelton (WK-Batter, O)

Naman Dhir (All-rounder)

Raj Angad Bawa (All-rounder)

Ashwani Kumar (Bowler)

Krishnan Shrijith (Wicket-Keeper)

Bevon Jacobs (Batter, O)

MI Auction Purse for IPL 2026 Mini-Auction

New Total Auction Purse (Estimated): 125.00 Cr

Minus: Total Cost of 13 Retained Players: 102.40 Cr

Estimated Remaining Auction Purse: 22.60 cr