MI IPL 2026 Auction Purse: Expected Budget & Player Retention Plans

The Mumbai Indians (MI) qualified for Qualifier 2 in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) after a decent campaign despite their initial slow start. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) eliminated the Mumbai Indians in that playoff match. The Mumbai team experienced multiple player unavailability and injuries throughout the season which forced them to make various squad adjustments. The team acquired temporary playoff players who cannot be retained while keeping some players who joined the team at the beginning of the season. The team will probably concentrate on improving their squad depth because their bench performance was not strong during the previous season. The practical nature of the franchise suggests they should release underperforming players to create space for better options.

Players Who Didn’t Match Their Price

Deepak Chahar – Bought for over ₹9 crore, but took only 11 wickets in 14 matches with an economy of 9.17. His injury issues resurfaced and he wasn’t effective outside the powerplay. MI might release him and could buy him back at a lower price.

Reece Topley – Played just one match, conceding 40 runs in 3 overs. Not a big impact, and likely to be released. There are better options available, even at a mini-auction.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Played only one match, giving away 28 runs in 2 overs. With Ghazanfar likely available, MI may release Mujeeb and look for better domestic spin options.

Likely Retention List for IPL 2026

Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickleton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Raghu Sharma, Ashwani Kumar, Krishnan Shrijith, Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Allah Gaznafar .

Key Players Who Could Be Released

Deepak Chahar – Despite being bought for over ₹9 crore, Chahar struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He took just 11 wickets in 14 matches and had a high economy rate of 9.17. MI may look to release him and possibly bring him back at a lower price.

Reece Topley – Topley’s single appearance in IPL 2025 saw him concede 40 runs in 3 overs, with minimal impact. With better options available, he’s likely to be released.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman – After featuring in only one match and giving away 28 runs in 2 overs, Mujeeb's future with MI looks uncertain. With Ghazanfar likely to be available, MI may release Mujeeb and scout for better domestic spin options.

Likely RCB Squad Before IPL 2026 Auction

Retained: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickleton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Raghu Sharma, Ashwani Kumar, Krishnan Shrijith, Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Allah Gaznafar .

Realased: Deepak Chahar, Reece Topley, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Purse Available for Auction

If Mumbai Indians choose to let go of Deepak Chahar, Reece Topley and Mujeeb Ur Rahman ahead of IPL 2026, they’ll open up close to ₹11 crore taking their purse to about ₹11.20 crore. While parting ways with these players won’t be an easy call, it gives MI some much‑needed breathing room. With the extra funds, they can chase stronger backups, sharpen their spin attack and bring in dependable overseas pacers all steps that could help them rebuild a more balanced and consistent bowling unit for the next season.

Possible Replacements in IPL 2026 Auction

Mohammed Shami for Deepak Chahar – A seasoned Indian pacer with pace and swing. Offers more experience and consistency in the new ball.

Mayank Yadav for Reece Topley – A young, promising Indian fast bowler who can bowl in powerplay and middle overs as a domestic option.

Matt Henry for Mujeeb Ur Rahman – An experienced overseas fast bowler who brings control and wicket-taking ability.

Current MI Squad with Prices (IPL 2025)

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