The Mumbai Indians (MI), who are five-time IPL victors and considered the most triumphant team of the league, experienced the ups and downs of an IPL 2025 season on a roller coaster ride. After finishing fourth in the league phase and eliminating Gujarat Titans, MI’s campaign was over with a defeat against the Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2, disappointing the fans.

The IPL 2026 mega auction is coming fast, and captain Hardik Pandya and the management are going to give extra thought to the team they have. Definitely, MI will keep their main players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Tilak Varma, but there is going to be some movement in the squad as some players will be released so that the new players can be signed, and the budget can be balanced.

Among the five players facing release from the Mumbai Indians before IPL 2026 season:

🏏 1. Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar was the most expensive purchase in the IPL 2025 auction coming in at ₹9.25 crore but he never performed up to expectations and was rather erratic. The left-arm fast bowler made only 11 dismissals in 14 outings while being hit for 9.17 runs per over and also contributed a meager 37 runs with his bat. Keeping in mind the extravagant money spent on him coupled with his lackluster performance, MI can choose to part ways with him to set aside some cash for other young fast bowlers.

🌀 2. Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was bought as a backup but just appeared in one game where he bowled two overs, gave away 28 runs, and took one wicket. MI has several options for spin bowling in their lineup: Piyush Chawla and Kumar Kartikeya, who are already well trusted, hence it is doubtful whether Mujeeb can still be in the plans.

💥 3. Reece Topley

Acquired for ₹75 lakh, the England bowler Reece Topley made only one appearance in IPL 2025 — where he conceded 40 runs without taking a wicket in three overs. Since he is often injured and thus not able to play, he might be one of the first players to be released.

🧤 4. Robin Minz

The wicket-keeper batsman from Jharkhand, Robin Minz, who was hired for ₹65 lakh, participated in just two matches and accumulated a total of six runs. Since there are already established players like Ryan Rickelton and Krishnan Shrijith in the squad, MI could release Minz in order to pay attention to other departments and reinforce them.

🔁 5. Karn Sharma

If you want to be a three-time IPL champion with three different teams, you have to be talented and the same goes with veteran bowler Karn Sharma, who was buying for just ₹50 lakh and in six matches took 7 wickets. Although he is very experienced, MI might think of nurturing younger spinners for the future which gives the uncertainty of his retention.

📊 Mumbai Indians 2025 Core Squad Snapshot

Hardik Pandya (C), Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult are the MI skeleton. During the playoffs, the team had also had Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson among the replacement players.

As they are preparing for IPL 2026, the Mumbai Indians franchise is expected to combine the experience with the fresh talent so as to rejuvenate their title-winning streak and to be the number one team again in the league.