IPL 2026 Auction: Top players MI should target to strengthen their squad

Mumbai Indians (MI) had a slow start last season, losing four of their first five games, partly due to Jasprit Bumrah missing the opening matches. Once Bumrah returned, MI hit its stride, winning six consecutive games to secure a playoff spot. Their win percentage jumped to 56.2% in 2025 from a lowly 28.6% in 2024, when they finished at the bottom of the points table.

Squad changes ahead of the auction

Before the auction, MI released Arjun Tendulkar (traded to LSG), Bevon Jacobs, Karn Sharma, Lizaad Williams, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Reece Topley, Krishnan Shrijith, Satyanarayana Raju, and Vignesh Puthur. However, they strengthened their squad by bringing in Shardul Thakur (from LSG), Sherfane Rutherford (from GT), and Mayank Markande (from KKR). These additions add depth to an already formidable lineup.

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Strengths that speak volumes

MI’s roster is packed with T20 stars: Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Ryan Rickelton, and Will Jacks.

Bowling firepower

Jasprit Bumrah remains one of the world’s best T20 bowlers, with 183 IPL wickets at an economy of 7.24. Alongside Trent Boult and domestic talent Ashwani Kumar (11 wickets in 7 matches in 2025), MI’s pace attack is lethal. Deepak Chahar adds further firepower, ensuring the team controls matches with the ball.

Batting brilliance

Suryakumar Yadav had a stellar 2025 season with 717 runs at a strike rate of 167.92. Opening duo Rohit Sharma (418 runs) and Ryan Rickelton (388 runs) provide MI with explosive starts, while Hardik Pandya and Naman Dhir have stepped up as dependable finishers in the death overs.

Spin depth

Mitchell Santner and Karn Sharma provided control in the middle overs. With Mayank Markande returning and Afghan off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar available, MI has a versatile spin arsenal.

Areas for improvement

Tilak Varma’s strike rate of 138.31 was slower compared to previous seasons, and Will Jacks also underperformed at 135.47. MI have addressed this partly by bringing in Sherfane Rutherford (strike rate 157.29) as a backup.

Auction Strategy: Filling minor gaps

With Rs 2.75 crore remaining and five slots to fill (including one overseas), MI may look for an Indian middle-order batter and additional Indian spin options. Names like Sarfaraz Khan could be on their radar, but MI’s scouts often unearth domestic talent unknown to many.

Outlook for IPL 2026

Even with minor gaps, MI’s squad looks formidable. Hardik Pandya’s team has the balance, depth, and experience to challenge any side and potentially end their title drought, aiming for a record sixth IPL trophy.

(With inputs from TOI)