The IPL 2026 mini-auction is indeed shaping up to be very influential event. Now, there are no prizes for guessing that how the Mumbai Indians (MI) handle their retention strategy for some key names could
make or break their next few seasons. But obviously, the Mumbai Indians are also, statistically speaking, the most successful IPL franchise of all time; the other being their greatest and closest rivals, CSK. In fact, the MI unit won consecutive IPL crowns in 2019 and 2020, having previously won one each in 2013, 2015 and 2017. But as far as the 2025 IPL season goes, it was a total disappointment, if not a disaster, which actually would be a harsh term to use. Most of us who wanted Mumbai to win - and why wouldn't we (for their official song alludes to the idea that the team are earth shattering in their approach to cricket - Duniya Hila Denge) may have had their hearts crushed.
They were smashed out of the park and even Bumrah, known for his fetish for toe crushing yorkers, was mishandled by Shreyas Iyer. The graceful shot towards the third man area for a winsome stroke when any other batter far less talented than the wonderful man from Worli would have had his stumps rattled. That being said, in what lies ahead, which three MI players could likely get retained ahead of the mini auction for IPL 2026.
3 Players Mumbai Indians could retain ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction
Rohit Sharma
The 'Hitman' of world cricket, not just Indian or Mumbai Indians' teams, is in a league of his own. Few can hit the ball as far still and as effortlessly as the great Rohit Sharma and should he have his way, which wasn't quite the thing in 2025 (talking of the bat only), he could send the bowlers into a tizzy in 2026.
The Mumbai Indians need him to fire. Ditto for the fans and the backers of T20 cricket who see in Rohit Gurunath Sharma, a great respite from monotony and a way of falling in love with the sport all over again.
Ryan Rickelton
The Protea fire has always put forth wonderful talents, hasn't it and one such fantastic talents has been Ryan Rickelton. He's a wonderful and committed batter known for his no nonsense style of play. Already, from 14 matches in what has been a young but certainly growing career, Rickelton has scored 388 runs, hitting those freely at an amazing strike rate of 150. He ought to stay back with MI, don't you think? Plus he is one of those top order players who looks comfortable against both pace and spin.
Jasprit Bumrah
A Mumbai Indians side sans the difficult-to-score-off from Jasprit Bumrah would be a locomotive minus a track to function on. In other words, it would be a Formula 1 car on a street track with one great overtaking opportunity but with a persistent gearbox problem.
Bumrah is a menace for batters on his day. But that day, usually speaking, could be any from Monday to Sunday, whenever and wherever an IPL contest is going on. He is a Mumbai Indian and must stay there.
FAQs
How many IPL crowns have MI won as on date?
5, including two consecutive titles back in the day; their last win being 2020.
