Previously, I shared my insights on Mumbai Indians’ potential retention strategy, and as anticipated, the franchise retained their heavyweight Indian core. With the retention list now finalized, all eyes are set on the upcoming auction this Sunday—a stage where strategies are tested, and fortunes are made.
Mumbai Indians Squad Composition
Mumbai Indians will enter the auction with one goal: filling the remaining gaps smartly while maintaining financial flexibility.
The focus will pivot to acquiring explosive foreign power-hitters, filling the left-arm pacer void, reclaiming promising youngsters from last season, and bolstering their spin arsenal.
With ₹45 crore remaining in the budget, I believe ₹30-32 crore should be allocated to securing four foreign playing XI positions, leaving ₹13-15 crore to complete the 25-member squad.
Foreign Powerhouses
A ₹30 crore budget should provide MI with enough flexibility to buy one big star if not two. Considering the batting talent MI already possesses, this amount could secure a premier foreign bowler in the ₹10 crore range along with three other quality foreign players, each in the ₹6-7 crore range.
For the pacer role, dream signings like Mitchell Starc, Jofra Archer, Kagiso Rabada, and Trent Boult are likely to be priced out of MI’s range. Instead, allocating around ₹6 crore for a solid pacer to partner with Jasprit Bumrah would be a pragmatic choice. Promising foreign pacers like Nandre Burger, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Spencer Johnson could be excellent options within this budget.
Meanwhile, MI should look to go heavy on a foreign spinner, with Wanindu Hasaranga being the ideal pick. His ability to deliver breakthroughs and his lower-order batting make him a perfect fit for the team. Alternatives for Hasaranga include Allah Ghazanfar, Akeal Hossein, etc.
For the power-hitter position, MI could take a two-pronged approach. First, they should target a wicketkeeper-batter. Names like Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock, Phil Salt, Ryan Rickelton, and Josh Inglis come to mind. Each of these players brings explosive batting and dependable wicketkeeping to the table. The second category of power-hitters should include batters who can contribute part-time spin. Glenn Phillips, Harry Brook, and Will Jacks would be strong candidates here, offering versatility and depth to the middle order.
By strategically balancing their spending and targeting these profiles, MI can significantly enhance their squad while keeping their auction priorities intact.
Promising Youngsters
If possible, MI would look to bring back Anshul Kamboj and Akash Madhwal for the Pacer (Impact Sub) position. They would also aim to retain Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir for the Middle Order (Impact Sub) role. Additionally, backup wicketkeeper options like Vishnu Vinod and Harvik Desai could be considered.
However, with Nehal and Anshul’s stocks rising, MI may find them unattainable at a lower price. In that case, MI may have to make the tough decision to let them go to other franchises. If this happens, MI can shift their focus to other promising options. For batters, potential targets could include Abdul Samad, Kumar Kushagra, Suryansh Shedge, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Raj Bawa, and Nishant Sandhu. In the bowling department, Rasikh Dar Salam, Sushant Mishra, and Kartik Tyagi stand out.
MI’s world-class scouting network is likely to ensure the 11-16 positions in the squad are filled effectively. This will include four backup young foreign players, all acquired at base price, while keeping within the ₹13-15 crore budget.
Ideal Mumbai Indians IPL XII Composition
An ideal T20 composition for any team in IPL should be versatile. Here’s what their core could look like post the auction:
While uncertainty remains about whether Mumbai Indians will get their auction strategy right this time, one thing is certain: the IPL auction will be one of the most anticipated and fiercely competitive events to watch on television. Fans can expect an exhilarating display of strategy and drama as teams vie for the best talent available.