Mumbai Indians had an average season in IPL 2025 honestly. They made it to Qualifier 2 but crashed against the Punjab Kings. The five-time champs aren’t happy with just reaching the playoffs though.
MI struggled badly with their middle-order batting all season long. Their bowling looked deadly in patches but went missing other times. Several overseas buys flopped completely which hurt them really badly.
The Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 auction could make or break their comeback. Getting the right target players matters more than anything now.
Top 5 Target Players Mumbai Indians Want
- Pathum Nissanka
The Sri Lankan opener has been super consistent recently. He scored over 2200 T20I runs with a good strike rate. Nissanka scored a hundred against India in the Asia Cup 2025. His game suits Indian pitches like Wankhede perfectly well. MI need a solid opener for the long term.
- Sikandar Raza
Raza is an all-rounder from Zimbabwe. He brings tons of skill to teams. He has 2653 T20I runs and 96 wickets by now. Raza played previously with the Punjab Kings in the IPL. He does off-spin bowling and middle-order batting to help teams win. MI want loyal all-rounders who deliver under pressure.
Also Read: WPL 2026 Schedule: Match List, Venue, Time Table, Points Table- Mohammed Shami
SRH might release Shami after his poor 2025 season. He took only six wickets with a high economy rate, sadly. But Shami’s experience makes him valuable for any franchise. Pairing him with Boult and Bumrah would create a deadly bowling partnership. Mumbai Indians desperately need quality Indian fast bowlers now.
- Jonny Bairstow
The English keeper-batsman perfectly fits MI’s bold style. He played as a replacement in IPL 2025. He impressed everyone in his playing days. Bairstow destroys bowling attacks during powerplay overs regularly.
- Gurnoor Brar
This young Punjab pacer impressed everyone in the Ranji Trophy. He took 26 wickets in seven matches last season. Brar worked as MI’s net bowler before. His bounce and pace trouble batsmen on helpful pitches.
Also Read: Abhishek Nayar Named Head Coach of KKRMumbai Indians’ Strategy for IPL 2026 Auction
The auction of IPL 2026 will fix MI’s future. These target players can solve their biggest team weaknesses effectively. The retention last date ends on November 15 for all teams. MI must balance experience with youth in the next IPL.
