New Delhi:As the IPL 2025 retention deadline of November 15 draws near, all ten franchises are finalising their lists of retained and released players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Among them, five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are expected to make some strategic moves to balance their squad and free up funds.
Despite having a star-studded lineup, MI are likely to part ways with a few underperforming or surplus players as they look to rebuild for the upcoming season. Let’s take a look at five players Mumbai Indians could release before the IPL 2026 auction.
- Reece Topley
English pacer Reece Topley, bought for ₹75 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction, played only one match for MI last season. With limited opportunities and several Indian seam options available, the left-arm quick could find himself on the release list. Releasing Topley would allow Mumbai to target a younger or more versatile overseas fast bowler at the auction.
- Lizaad Williams
South African fast bowler Lizaad Williams was another low-budget buy for ₹75 lakh who did not feature in a single match in the 2025 season. With MI already boasting a deep pace attack, Williams may be deemed surplus to requirements. The franchise could release him to open an overseas slot for a more impactful player.
- Bevon Jacobs
Caribbean all-rounder Bevon Jacobs, signed for ₹30 lakh, was part of MI’s extended squad but did not make his debut during the season. Given his limited involvement and the team’s depth in the all-rounder department, Jacobs could be released to explore more playing time elsewhere while MI look for a more experienced backup option.
- Deepak Chahar
One of the most notable potential releases could be Deepak Chahar, who was signed by MI for a hefty ₹9.25 crore. The veteran pacer picked up 11 wickets in 14 matches during the 2025 season but struggled for consistency. At 33 years old, Chahar may no longer fit into MI’s long-term plans, and releasing him could free up significant purse value for bidding on a younger Indian pacer.
- Karn Sharma
Veteran spinner Karn Sharma, bought for ₹50 lakh, featured in six matches for MI in the previous season. With the franchise looking to refresh its spin department, Sharma could be released in favour of a younger, more dynamic spinner who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Mumbai Indians Eye Fresh Balance Ahead of Mega Auction
The Mumbai Indians management, known for its calculated pre-auction strategy, could use the freed purse and slots to rebuild around their core of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah. With the mega auction for IPL 2026 expected to attract several top international and domestic names, MI may look to inject new energy and versatility into their squad.
