The IPL retention deadline is just two days away, and Mumbai Indians (MI) is preparing to make a big splash at the last minute.
Five-time champions MI have begun negotiations with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to trade leg-spinner Mayank Markande.
It is reported that these talks have now reached the final stage. If all goes well, the 28-year-old bowler will return to his debut franchise MI after seven years.
Mayank Returns to MI
Mayank Markande made his debut for MI in 2018, and that season was phenomenal. He took 15 wickets in 14 matches, and within less than a year, he also made his T20 debut for India. But his fortunes took a turn for the worse after that.
Over the next five years, he played only 23 matches with two different teams. KKR bought him for just ₹30 lakh in last year’s mega auction, but he didn’t play a single game in the entire season.
MI currently has two wrist spinners in Vignesh Purthur and Karan Sharma, but Mayank’s entry will further strengthen their spin department.
Inside sources indicate that this deal is likely to be an all-cash transaction, meaning no other players will be involved.
It’s not yet confirmed when the deal will be announced, but MI is clearly focused on expanding their spin options.
Mayank’s experience and past performance make him a perfect fit, especially for IPL 2026 preparations.
Rahul Chahar in MI Radar
Mayank isn’t the only one on MI’s radar. Reports suggest that they are also eyeing Rahul Chahar, who has previously played for MI. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) acquired him for ₹3.20 crore last year, but he played only one match.
His performance in intra-squad games was also poor, so he remained on the bench. MI’s interest isn’t surprising, as Rahul has had a successful stint with MI. However, it’s not yet confirmed whether talks have taken place with SRH.
These trade deals are happening rapidly, and MI clearly wants to strengthen their spin bowling. The return of players like Mayank and Rahul could bring balance to their squad.
This decision won’t be easy for KKR, but it will have to ease some of the pressure of the retention deadline. Overall, the next season of the IPL looks more exciting.
