The five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, enjoyed a decent season in IPL 2025 after a poor 2024 season. Despite their improved run, the team fell short of another title, losing to Punjab Kings in Qualifier
2. As they look forward to the IPL 2026, the management is expected to analyse its squad and address the shortcomings that emerged during the previous season.
One of the main challenges for Mumbai was their middle order, where the team often relied on individual brilliance rather than a collective unit. Their bowling attack excelled in phases but couldn't dominate. Certain overseas signings also struggled to make an impact, which may lead the team to explore new options in the upcoming auction. With the retention deadline set for November 15, Mumbai is likely to maintain its core group while freeing up funds to pursue fresh talent.
Here are 5 players Mumbai Indians might target at IPL 2026 auctions
Pathum Nissanka
Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka has been one of the most consistent top-order batters in recent years. In T20Is, he has scored over 2200 runs in 74 matches at an average of 31.58 and a strike rate of 126.55, including a century and 17 fifties. Across all T20s, he has hammered 3933 runs in 144 games, striking at 128.86 with two hundreds.
His recent performances have been outstanding, including his strong run in the Asia Cup 2025, where he was the second-highest run-getter with two fifties and a ton. Nissanka’s game against pace and spin suits Indian conditions, especially on batting-friendly surfaces like Wankhede. With the Mumbai Indians looking toward a long-term top-order option, Nissanka could be a valuable overseas inclusion.
Gurnoor Brar
Mumbai Indians are likely to scout for a young Indian pacer ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, and Gurnoor Brar could be a perfect fit for their bowling attack. The tall right-arm quick from Punjab can extract bounce and trouble batters with his hard-hitting deck deliveries. Brar picked up 26 wickets in seven matches during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, finishing as Punjab’s leading wicket-taker.
In the 2024 Sher-E-Punjab T20 League, he claimed 22 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 14 and an economy of 7.33. Having previously been associated with the MI as a net bowler, Brar already understands the team’s setup and culture. His ability to deliver in the middle overs and extract bounce on pace-friendly surfaces makes him an exciting domestic option. Despite being part of the Gujarat Titans last year, Brar was benched for the entire season. His only IPL game came during the 2023 edition for the Punjab Kings.
Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza could be a solid option to look at, considering his all-around abilities. So far, the veteran has amassed a total of 2653 T20I runs at a strike rate of 135.15 and picked up 96 wickets at an economy of under seven. In franchise T20s, he has smashed 6372 runs and 200 wickets in 316 matches. Raza’s stints in leagues like the PSL, ILT20, and Major League Cricket have seen his value as a dependable middle-order batter and economical off-spinner.
One of the top-ranked ODI all-rounders, Raza could strengthen Mumbai’s middle order and provide an option with both bat and ball. Notably, he has previously played in the IPL for Punjab Kings from 2023 to 2024, scoring 182 runs and picking three wickets in nine contests.
Mohammed Shami
Sunrisers Hyderabad might make a tough decision to release Mohammed Shami ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction after a disappointing 2025 season, where he managed only six wickets in nine games at an economy of 11.23. Despite his struggles, Shami’s experience and skill still make him a valuable option for teams looking for an Indian pacer, and the Mumbai Indians could be one of them.
With MI expected to look for a strong Indian fast bowler to partner Jasprit Bumrah, Shami could fit the spot perfectly. The duo has shared the new ball for India several times, forming one of the most lethal partnerships. Under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, Shami could be lethal on the Wankhede pitch.
Sanju Samson
After recent reports of Sanju Samson looking for an exit from Rajasthan Royals, the Mumbai Indians could see a golden opportunity to add another star Indian player to their setup ahead of IPL 2026. Samson, who scored 531 runs in the 2024 season, has been one of the most consistent wicketkeeper-batters in the league. His ability to anchor the innings makes him a perfect fit for Mumbai’s batting unit. With RR’s management reportedly open to trade offers, Samson’s availability might trigger interest across franchises, but the Mumbai Indians could benefit the most.
They are on the lookout for an experienced Indian batter who can stabilize the middle order and complement their power-hitters. Having led Rajasthan, Samson also brings leadership qualities that go well with MI’s team culture. If Mumbai decides to go for him, Samson could reunite with familiar Indian teammates and play an important role in strengthening MI’s batting line-up.
