Welcome to our IPL 2026 Release List Series, where we explore every team and the tough choices they face before the next auction. Now, we turn the spotlight on Mumbai Indians.
Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, Mumbai Indians’ 2025 season was a tale of underachievement. Finishing 4th in the league stage with 8 wins and 6 losses, they were eliminated in Qualifier 2 by Punjab Kings, falling short of expectations. While Suryakumar Yadav’s remarkable performance, scoring 717 runs and earning the MVP and Player of the Tournament awards, stood out, the team’s overall performance highlighted areas needing improvement. To reclaim their dominance, MI must make bold decisions regarding player releases.
Here are five players Mumbai Indians might consider releasing:
1️⃣ Deepak Chahar – Bowler – ₹9.25 crore
Chahar has experience, but with Hardik Pandya leading the powerplay alongside Trent Boult, the initial overs are already covered. MI’s bigger need is a reliable middle-over or death-over bowler who can consistently deliver under pressure. At this price, the funds could be better spent on a batting all-rounder who can finish games, like Jack Edwards, to add balance and firepower to the lineup.
2️⃣ Allah Ghazanfar – Bowler – ₹4.8 crore
Ghazanfar missed the entire 2025 season due to injury. His recent international performances haven’t inspired confidence. At this price, investing in him doesn’t make strategic sense. Mumbai Indians should prioritize an Indian spinner for depth, while Mitchell Santner should remain their key overseas spin option.
3️⃣ Lizaad Williams – Bowler – ₹75 lakh
Williams didn’t play a single game in the 2025 season. With Mumbai Indians’ poor bowling depth, keeping a player who hasn’t contributed is hard to justify. At the same price, Corbin Bosch provides far more impact with his all-round skills and flexibility, making him a smarter option for the squad.
4️⃣ Reece Topley – Bowler – ₹75 lakh
Topley played only one match in 2025, going wicketless and conceding 40 runs in 4 overs. With an IPL economy rate over 11 and limited impact, Mumbai Indians could release him to free up a foreign player slot. With seven overseas slots already filled, this allows MI to invest in a more impactful foreign signing who can strengthen the squad balance and contribute consistently.
5️⃣ Arjun Tendulkar – Bowler – ₹30 lakh
Opportunities for Arjun Tendulkar at Mumbai Indians have been extremely limited. Releasing him wouldn’t be a loss for MI but could give him a real chance to shine elsewhere, as several other IPL squads could benefit from a young left-arm pacer with his skillset.
Mumbai Indians fans: every opinion counts. Which release calls do you agree with? Who should be retained as Mumbai Indians looks to rebuild and challenge for IPL 2026 glory?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Keep the conversation going as we continue our IPL 2026 Release List Series!
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