5 Players Mumbai Indians Might Release Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
After a mixed IPL 2025 campaign, the Mumbai Indians are set to restructure their squad ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Here’s a look at five players who could be released to make room for new signings.
Mumbai Indians could release several players, including Deepak Chahar and Reece Topley, ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction.
The Mumbai Indians (MI)—the five-time IPL winners and one of the most consistant teams throughout the league's history—wrapped up their IPL 2025 journey in a rather mixed way. By being the fourth team to finish the league and beating the Gujarat Titans, the MI squad got to play the Eliminator match but lost the second qualifier to the Punjab Kings and therefore could not have a chance at their sixth title.
With the mega auction for IPL 2026 just around the corner, the Hardik Pandya-led team might think of making slight changes to the composition by letting go of players who are either not performing well or frequently injured. It is expected that MI will retain its star players, however, a few major names could still be eliminated.
🏏 1. Deepak Chahar
Purchased for ₹9.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Deepak Chahar had an inconsistent season. In 14 matches, he took 11 wickets with an economy rate of 9.17 and contributed only 37 runs with the bat. Given his hefty price tag and limited impact, MI might release him to free up funds.
🌀 2. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
The Afghan spinner joined MI as an injury replacement for Allah Ghazanfar but featured in just one game, where he picked up one wicket for 28 runs in two overs. With other spin options available, MI may decide to move on from Mujeeb.
💥 3. Reece Topley
England pacer Reece Topley, signed for ₹75 lakh, played only one match in IPL 2025 and conceded 40 runs in three overs without taking a wicket. His limited contribution and injury record could make him an easy release.
🧤 4. Robin Minz
Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz, signed for ₹65 lakh, made two appearances but scored just six runs (3 in each match). With a strong pool of wicketkeepers in the MI setup, including Ryan Rickelton and Krishnan Shrijith, Minz may not find a place in the 2026 squad.
🔁 5. Karn Sharma
Veteran spinner Karn Sharma, known for winning IPL titles with three different franchises, was bought for ₹50 lakh. Though he picked up 7 wickets in six matches, MI may opt for younger spin options heading into the 2026 season.
📊 MI’s 2025 Squad Snapshot
Hardik Pandya (C), Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult are the key players.
In the playoffs, the team will take in Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson as the replacements.
While MI gets ready for title chase again in 2026, the fans will be looking forward to the franchise's next squad rebuild which would be a combination of experience and youthful energy.
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