5 Players Mumbai Indians Could Target in IPL 2026 Auction — Preview & Strategy

Future Outlook for Players Mumbai Indians Could Target in IPL 2026 Auction

Players Mumbai Indians Could Target in IPL 2026 Auction are already the biggest talking point ahead of the mini-auction, as MI enter the event with a limited purse but very specific role-based needs. With INR 2.75 crore remaining and five squad spots open—including one overseas slot—the franchise must focus on smart, value-for-money picks rather than big bidding wars.

With Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Trent Boult forming the core, MI are expected to focus purely on value picks, especially uncapped Indian players who can perform specific roles at budget prices.

Thanks to recent trades, MI have already added Sherfane Rutherford, Shardul Thakur, and Mayank Markande — giving them a clearer idea of the roles they need to fill.

Why MI Need Smart, Budget-Friendly Picks in 2026

• Only INR 2.75 crore remaining
• Five total slots, including one overseas spot
• Need for a death-overs Indian bowler
• Need a backup wicketkeeper
• A lower-order budget finisher
• Avoiding any bidding wars due to limited purse
• Prioritizing domestic impact players

This auction is not about big-money buys — it’s about strategic, role-based recruitment.

5 Players Mumbai Indians Could Target in IPL 2026 Auction

Here are the top Players Mumbai Indians Could Target in IPL 2026 Auction based on needs, budget, and form.

1. KM Asif (Kerala – Pacer)

KM Asif is among the hottest domestic bowling names this year.

• 15 wickets in 6 SMAT 2025 matches
• 55 T20 wickets in 42 matches
• Excellent under pressure in powerplay & death overs

With MI releasing multiple overseas bowlers, Asif fits perfectly as a budget Indian pacer with impact potential.

2. David Miller (South Africa – Finisher)

Miller remains one of the world’s most reliable T20 finishers.

• Perfect replacement for the post-Pollard era
• Huge experience in closing games
• Plays pace & bounce well — ideal for Wankhede Stadium

Concern: Base price ₹2 crore — MI can only attempt if he goes unsold in early rounds.

3. Akash Madhwal (Pacer – possible return)

The breakout star of IPL 2023:

• Remembered for his historic Eliminator spell
• MI trust him, and he understands their setup
• Bowling form has dipped but remains a loyal, low-cost option

If he enters at a base price MI can afford, a return is highly possible.

4. Anmolpreet Singh (Punjab – Batter)

Anmolpreet is having a standout SMAT season:

• 241 runs in 7 innings
• Strike rate: 172
• Excellent momentum-builder in middle overs
• MI value domestic batting depth — strong match.

He is one of the most realistic picks MI will chase.

5. Mukul Choudhary (Keeper-Batter)

MI need a backup wicketkeeper, and Mukul offers more:

• 124 runs at SR 161
• Aggressive middle-order option
• Ideal low-cost, dual-role player

His profile fits MI’s exact squad requirement.

Bonus Pick: Tejasvi Singh

One of the most explosive hitters in Delhi Premier League 2025:

• 339 runs in 10 innings
• Average: 48
• Strike rate: nearly 190

At 23, he is a classic MI-style investment — young, fearless, aggressive.

Mumbai Indians Full Squad Before Auction

Retained/Available:

Hardik Pandya, Tilak Verma, Raghu Sharma, Raj Angad Bawa, Robin Minz, Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Trent Boult, Sherfane Rutherford (T), Suryakumar Yadav, Will Jacks, Shardul Thakur (T), Mayank Markande (T)

Released Players:

Satyanarayana Raju, Lizaad Williams, Reece Topley, KL Shrijith, Karn Sharma, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Vignesh Puthur, Bevon Jacobs
Arjun Tendulkar (traded)

How These Picks Strengthen MI

• Death overs stability (Asif / Madhwal)
• Finishing power (Miller)
• Middle-over aggression (Anmolpreet)
• Backup wicketkeeper coverage (Mukul Choudhary)
• Long-term domestic talent (Tejasvi Singh)

This ensures MI stay competitive even with a tight budget.

……..

FAQs

Q1. Why is MI focusing on domestic players?

• Because they have only ₹2.75 crore left and 5 slots to fill. Uncapped Indian players offer better value.

Q2. Will MI bid for big overseas stars?

• Only if they slip through unsold initially — MI cannot enter major bidding wars.

Q3. What is MI’s biggest need in the IPL 2026 auction?

• A budget-friendly Indian pacer, a backup keeper, and a lower-order hitter.

Q4. Which role is the toughest to fill with MI’s purse?

• A high-quality overseas finisher — which is why Miller is a “hopeful” pick, not a guaranteed one.

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