Mumbai Indians Might Release These Five Players Before IPL 2026 Auction. Following their loss in Qualifier 2 in the IPL 2025 campaign, the Mumbai Indians (MI) are all set to think about their team’s composition. MI is looking to next season, IPL 2026, and will need to determine whether some players should be released for performance or strategic shifts. Here are 5 such players Mumbai might release before the IPL 2026 auction.
1. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan, Spinner)
Mumbai Indians signed Mujeeb Ur Rahman as an injury replacement for AM Ghazanfar. While Mujeeb has a stellar T20 record of 276 wickets, a 23.67 average, and a 6.75 economy rate, Mujeeb did not play any matches in IPL 2025. His absence from the XI suggests the MI team management preferred other spinners. It could be due to team balance or strategy preference that he will be released before the IPL 2026 auction.
Also Read: Glenn Maxwell Bids Adieu To ODI Cricket, Will Continue In T20Is
2. Reece Topley (England, Left-Arm Fast Bowler)
MI purchased Topley for ₹75 lakh, and he had a disappointing IPL 2025 season. He played 5 matches, took 5 wickets, and had an economy of 10.71, a bowling average of 36.40, and best bowling of 2/27. He struggled to control runs and secure wickets, which are ultimately two important statistics for a T20 frontline pacer.
3. Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka, Middle-Order Batter)
Charith Asalanka did not play a single game for Mumbai in IPL 2025. While specific reasons for not playing are not made public. It is reasonable to assume that team combinations, form, or other tactical decisions were the reasons for Asalanka not being in the XI. Given the depth of the squad and the limited overseas player positions, MI might think about the playing future of Asalanka, specifically after not playing a single game.
4. Karn Sharma (India, leg-spinner)
Karn Sharma has been around the block with MI and was critical in MI’s victory over Delhi Capitals when he took 3 wickets. However, this was one of the few times he contributed during the season. At 38, the franchise could respect his experience and knowledge. But they could also start developing youth to build the squad for the future.
5. Corbin Bosch (South Africa, all-rounder)
MI recruited Corbin Bosch as a replacement for Lizaad Williams, who was injured, so MI was down a player in terms of him as a bowler. Bosch’s lengthy stint in the SA20 league saw him pick up 11 wickets in eight matches, so he of course has good form. Unfortunately, Bosch didn’t play in any games for MI in IPL 2025. He had a contractual dispute, as he chose to end up not to play in the PSL. This speaks of his commitment to the IPL. Neither the player nor the franchise deciding differently next time could be a future issue in the contract, whether this remains a mutual future.
Also Read: Heinrich Klaasen Announces His Retirement from International Cricket at 33
As MI looks ahead for IPL 2026 it appears MI is trying to make a bigger and tougher team. All difficult decisions should eventually help better performances and bring back the perception of MI dominance.
