With the Mumbai Indians confirming their list of released players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, a few names are already generating eyeballs in the market. Despite limited chances last season, some of these
players showed enough brilliance to draw attention from teams looking to fill specific gaps.
With Mumbai entering the auction with the lowest purse of only INR 2.75 crore, they are unlikely to aggressively compete for re-signing these players, opening the door for other franchises to step in. The released MI group can trigger a bidding war. Given the upcoming auction dynamics, these players could attract strong offers from teams with healthy purses, especially from rivals like the Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, respectively.
Here are 3 released MI players who could trigger bidding war between RCB and CSK at IPL 2026 auction
3. Vignesh Puthur
Despite a decent debut season, the five-time winners, have released young left-arm wrist spinner, Vignesh Puthur. The Kerala-born, discovered through MI's extensive scouting network after impressing in local leagues, made an immediate impact in IPL 2025, dismissing big names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda on debut. He finished the season with six wickets at a decent economy rate, too.
However, constant shin injuries halted his progress, ruling him out of most of the 2025 season and limiting his game time in the Kerala Cricket League. MI released him mainly due to his ongoing rehabilitation, but continues to support his recovery. Even so, his rare skill set could attract strong interest at the auction. CSK and RCB both are in the hunt for skilled spinners, and they good take this opportunity to acquire the youngster.
2. Reece Topley
England pacer Reece Topley’s name could attract both CSK and RCB at the upcoming IPL auction, as they need a reliable overseas fast bowler. The tall left-arm quick had a limited role at the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025, playing just one game and going wicketless, which made it difficult for him to find a spot in the retention list.
However, his overall IPL numbers show he brings valuable experience, particularly from his earlier stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he picked up crucial wickets in 2023 and 2024 despite injuries disrupting his season. The past association could result in RCB being tempted to bring him back as they look to strengthen their pace unit. CSK, too, is in the market for a specialist pacer to replace Matheesha Pathirana.
1. Karn Sharma
Indian leg spinner Karn Sharma is expected to be an interesting name ahead of the upcoming IPL mini-auction, especially with both CSK and RCB on the lookout for an experienced spinner who can also chip in with the bat. Having previously represented both franchises, Karn understands their environments well. His stints at RCB, where he produced handy spells in 2023, and earlier at CSK, make him a reliable option for both camps.
With 83 IPL wickets in 90 matches and the ability to deliver breakthroughs in the middle overs, he could be a decent pick. His 2025 season with the Mumbai Indians, where he played as an impact player and picked seven wickets in just six matches, didn't fetch him a retention contract with the five-time champions. With both CSK and RCB needing exactly a player like Karn, a bidding war could be seen.
