As all teams gear themselves up for the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction. MI will enter this year’s auction with a mindset of treating this mini auction as a rebuilding phase of their roster.
After letting go of players like Vignesh Puthur, Karn Sharma, Reece Topley, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Arjun Tendulkar, there are 5 clear gaps in the pace and spin departments for MI, with a need for stronger bench strength.
This opens up a perfect opportunity for MI to make value-driven picks who can bring balance and fresh energy to the squad. Below are four players MI should seriously consider targeting for the upcoming season.
MI’s Auction Strategy
During this mini auction MI is expected to have a more focused and disciplined approach without chasing big names this time. MI are expected to favour role-based players that will strengthen the areas of weakness. With a decent purse of Rs 2.75 crore available after releasing several squad players, they could look for dependable performers who offer consistency rather than expensive stars.
The strategy will be about forming a good core to support the key names like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma.
Overseas Targeted Player
Matt Henry
MI will try to add this New Zealand pacer in their team squad because of his dependable new-ball swing and strong control, these two attributes will help MI to support their key bowler Bumrah in early overs. At the same time his ability to perform under pressure and bowl crucial spells makes him a valuable addition to MI’s overseas pace unit.
Ben Dwarshuis
MI might bid on this Australian left-arm pacer due to his bowling ability which offers pace and bounce making him a very good candidate for the spot which might fall vacant after the overseas bowlers MI released. He has proven himself in global T20 leagues and can be a useful powerplay operator. His presence might ensure MI to maintain a perfect depth in their pace attack without overspending.
Indian Targeted Players
Tanush Kotian
Him being one of the most promising young Indian spin all-rounders might be the reason for him to be a target bid for MI. Also with his consistency and calm approach, he can become a long-term investment. MI needs a young bowler who can handle pressure situations, and can take key and important wickets during crucial times making Kotian a smart and perfect pick for the team.
Money Grewal
The Indian pacer will provide MI with a strong and stable bowling team for the bench making him a prime target for MI to add him in their squad. His aggressive new-ball approach, and the ability to generate a sharp seam movement, will give a vital addition to MI’s pace unit. His knack for breaking partnerships early can give MI consistent control in the powerplay.
Mayank Agarwal
The veteran Indian top middle-over batter who captained Punjab during the 2021 IPL season. His experience can also bring much-required support for the team’s bench with his calm way of batting and anchoring an innings. He is reliable both against pace and spin, as his presence ensures that the team doesn’t succumb to early collapses.
