Mumbai Indians (MI) entered the IPL 2026 Retentions with a strategic mindset aimed at rebuilding and strengthening their squad after a challenging IPL 2025 season. Their retention decisions reveal a focus on balancing experienced performers with emerging young talent to forge a competitive team.

Mumbai Indians retain their core group ahead of IPL 2026 auction

MI retained wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton, explosive batter Naman Dhir and experienced all-rounders Mitchell Santner and Will Jacks. These players offer a mix of aggressive batting, versatile all-round skills and crucial experience. Their retention ensures stability and leadership presence within the team.

Mumbai Indians released several senior players, including Arjun Tendulkar (traded to Lucknow Super Giants), and others who had limited impact or availability issues. These moves freed up some value in the purse and squad slots, facilitating the acquisition of impactful new talent for IPL 2026.

MI’s strategy for IPL 2026 auction

The Mumbai-based franchise aims to strengthen critical areas such as middle-order batting and spin bowling depth.

MI’s retention approach emphasizes investing in young talents like Robin Minz supported by seasoned campaigners. This blend aims to create a dynamic, adaptable squad capable of competing strongly in IPL 2026 and beyond.

Mumbai Indians: Retention, Release, Trade and Purse

Players released: Satyanarayana Raju, Vignesh Puthur, Reece Topley, Bevon Jacobs, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Lizaad Williams, Karn Sharma, KL Shrijith, Arjun Tendulkar (traded to Lucknow Super Giants)

Players retained: Allah Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Hardik Pandya, jasprit bumrahMitchell Santner, Naman Dhir, Raghu Sharma, Raj Angad Bawa, Robin Minz, Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, Will Jacks, Shardul Thakur (traded in from Lucknow Super Giants), Mayank Markande (traded in from Kolkata Knight Riders), Sherfane Rutherford (traded in from Gujarat Titans)

Purse remaining: INR 2.75 cr

Slots available: 5 (1 overseas)