IPL 2026: 5 MI Players who might be released ahead of mini auction

Mumbai Indians (MI) had a strong run in the IPL 2025. They finished fourth in the group stage and secured a spot in the Eliminator. There, they crushed the Gujarat Titans (GT) to advance to Qualifier Two. However, MI’s journey ended when Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated them and knocked them out of the tournament.

Throughout the season, several top players stepped up and delivered for the team on different occasions. But at the same time, a few players failed to make an impact when given opportunities. Those underperformers could now be on the release list as MI prepares for IPL 2026.  

Here are the 5 MI Players who might be released ahead of the mini auction 

1. Richard Gleeson

England’s pace-bowling all-rounder, Richard Gleeson, featured in only one match during IPL 2025. In that outing, he conceded 39 runs in 3.3 overs while picking up one wicket. With the bat, he did not even get an opportunity.

Despite his inclusion, the MI management showed no intent to use him further in the season. Considering the other available options, it is likely that MI will release him ahead of the next season in search of a more proven all-rounder with greater international experience.  

2. Raj Bawa

Raj Angad Bawa has long been regarded as an exciting all-round prospect in Indian cricket, and MI fans were eager to watch him in action during IPL 2025. However, he failed to make an impression in the limited opportunities he received.

Across three matches, Bawa batted only once, finishing unbeaten on eight runs, and did not bowl a single ball throughout the season. With such minimal impact, MI may decide to release the 22-year-old ahead of IPL 2026 and search for a more reliable Indian all-rounder to strengthen their squad. 

3. Mujeeb Ur Rahman

This Afghanistan spinner joined MI in IPL 2025 as an injury replacement for Allah Ghazanfar. However, he featured in just one match, where he picked up a wicket but conceded 28 runs in his two overs.

With Ghazanfar expected to be fully fit and available for the next season, MI are likely to release Mujeeb. The fact that he was not considered again after his only outing suggests that the management was not too impressed with his performance.  

4. Robin Minz

Robin Minz, the wicketkeeper-batter, grabbed headlines when MI bought him, becoming the first tribal cricketer to feature in the IPL. Known for his explosive batting, expectations around him were high. However, in the two matches he played, he managed to score only six runs.

With that return, MI might look for a more experienced wicketkeeper-batter who has already proven himself in the domestic circuit. Bringing in such a player would strengthen their bench and give the side more reliability in the future. 

5. Reece Topley

This left-arm pacer from England was seen as a backup option for MI’s star Kiwi bowler, Trent Boult. However, Topley played only one game, went wicketless, and conceded 40 runs in three overs, finishing with an economy rate of 13.33.

With such a performance, MI may look to release him ahead of the 2026 season and instead bring in a different overseas pacer who can deliver under pressure whenever given an opportunity.

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