Mumbai Indians have finalized their retention list ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2026 mega auction, scheduled for mid-December. The five-time champions have strategically reshaped their squad, retaining a blend of seasoned stars and promising talent, while releasing some players to create opportunities for new acquisitions.

Key Retentions and Core Players

Mumbai Indians have retained a formidable core of players, ensuring continuity and stability within the team. The list includes:

• Rohit Sharma: The experienced batter and former captain remains a vital part of the MI setup.
• Jasprit Bumrah: The lethal fast bowler, a mainstay for both MI and the Indian national team, will continue to lead the pace attack. He has been with MI since 2013, and has been instrumental in many of their title wins.
• Hardik Pandya: The all-rounder will continue his legacy with the Mumbai Indians.
• Suryakumar Yadav: The explosive middle-order batter is another key retention, adding firepower to the batting lineup.
• Tilak Varma: The young and promising batter has also been retained, indicating the franchise's investment in future talent.
• Trent Boult: The seasoned fast bowler.
• Deepak Chahar: Strengthening the pace and spin bowling.
• Will Jacks: The global game-changer returns to the squad.
• Mitchell Santner: The global game-changer returns to the squad.

The retention of these players underscores MI's commitment to building a strong Indian core, supplemented by impactful overseas players. The franchise has retained a total of 20 players, leaving five slots (including one overseas) to fill at the upcoming auction.

Trades

Mumbai Indians have also strategically utilized the trade window to bolster their squad. They have traded in:

• Shardul Thakur.
• Sherfane Rutherford.
• Mayank Markande: The leg-spinner returns to Mumbai Indians in a trade with Kolkata Knight Riders. Markande previously played for MI in 2018, 2019 and 2022, winning the title in 2019.

Arjun Tendulkar Traded to Lucknow Super Giants

In a significant move, Arjun Tendulkar, son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, has been traded to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Arjun joined LSG for his existing fee of Rs 30 lakh. MI acknowledged Arjun's contributions and wished him well for his future endeavors with LSG. Mumbai Indians management extended their deepest gratitude to all the players and acknowledge their commitment and hard work during their time in the Blue and Gold.

Released Players and Auction Strategy

Mumbai Indians have released nine players, opening up opportunities for other teams in the mega auction. The released players include:

• Bevon Jacobs
• Karn Sharma.
• Lizaad Williams.
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
• Reece Topley.
• Krishnan Srijith
• Satyanarayana Raju.
• Vignesh Puthur.

After the retentions and trades, Mumbai Indians are left with a purse of Rs 2.75 crore for the upcoming auction. With a limited purse, MI will be aiming to make strategic acquisitions to fill the remaining slots and add further depth to their squad.