Mumbai Indians (MI) were eliminated in Qualifier 2 by Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The five-time champions will look to go the distance in 2026 under Hardik Pandya's astute leadership.
MI finished last on the points table in IPL 2024 but they assembled a strong team at the mega-auction last year and put on a strong show this year. Ahead of the 18th edition of the tournament, Mumbai will look to make some tweaks to their side and become an even stronger
unit.
Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the Mumbai-based franchise could trade some players to ensure they have sufficient funds to build a formidable team. Here's a look at some players MI might want to trade out to other teams.
3 Players MI might trade before the IPL 2026 Auction:
3. AM Ghazanfar
Afghanistan's mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar orchestrated a surprise bidding war in the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders were the two prime contenders to acquire the services of the youngster. However, it was the former who signed him for INR 4.80 crore.
He produced strong performances during the U-19 World Cup in 2024 to grab the attention of franchises. However, he suffered an injury ahead of the tournament and was subsequently replaced by compatriot Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the squad. Ghazanfar has fared decently in international cricket since then. However, there are quite a few talented spinners set to enter the auction and Mumbai might want to pick someone from that list.
2. Will Jacks
When Will Jacks was picked up by MI at the mega auction for INR 5.25 crore, fans and experts agreed that it was a terrific signing because of the England star's all-round abilities. The flat batting decks at the Wankhede Stadium, MI's home ground, suited Jacks' aggressive batting style. However, it seemed that the Chertsey-born did not get the kind of role clarity that he would have liked.
In 13 matches, he scored 233 runs at an average of 23.30 and a strike rate of 135.47. These numbers fail to do justice to his potential. He contributed decently with the ball, picking up six wickets at an average of 20. MI have plenty of batters who can bat in the top and middle order. They could look to acquire a lower-order batter who could help the likes of Hardik Pandya and Naman Dhir to finish games.
1. Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar was one of the hot picks heading into the IPL 2025 mega auction. He joined MI for INR 9.25 crore. Fans were waiting to witness him forming a lethal new-ball duo with Trent Boult. However, the former Chennai Super Kings seamer failed to live up to his reputation. The 33-year-old picked up 11 wickets from 14 matches at an average of 34.18 and an economy rate of 9.17. This was only the second time in his career that Chahar conceded runs at an economy rate of nine in an IPL season.
Injuries have also been an impediment in Chahar's career, and it came back to haunt him in the business end of the tournament. He missed the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 due to a leg injury. MI could look to release the Agra-born and acquire someone who could bowl with the new ball and also at the back-end.
