Last Updated: November 2, 2026 08:07 PM
Franchise squad decisions always spark huge discussions among passionate IPL supporters. One famous team now faces several important choices before the next season. Here is a clear and simple look at the situation.
A Disappointing 2026 Season for MI
MI won only four of their 14 matches and lost ten. They finished ninth in the points table with eight points. They became the second team eliminated after Lucknow Super Giants.
MI also lost both matches against Chennai Super Kings and struggled at home. Despite reaching the playoffs in 2025, MI could not maintain that performance this year.
The five-time champions have not won the title or reached the final for six consecutive seasons.
Hardik Pandya’s Struggles Raise Questions
Captain Hardik Pandya struggled with both batting and bowling during the season. In ten matches, he scored 206 runs at an average of 22.89. He failed to score a half-century and claimed four wickets at an economy of 11.43.
His captaincy has reportedly faced criticism over the past three years. His release is one of the major possibilities being discussed.
Likely Retention and Release List for IPL 2027
Reports suggest Mumbai Indians may retain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav. Retaining experienced players could provide stability during a major rebuilding phase.
The projected release list includes Hardik Pandya, Trent Boult and Quinton de Kock. Several younger domestic players could also leave the squad under this projection.
| Could Retain | Could Release |
|---|---|
| 1. Rohit Sharma | 1. Hardik Pandya |
| 2. Jasprit Bumrah | 2. Quinton de Kock |
| 3. Ryan Rickelton | 3. Sherfane Rutherford |
| 4. Suryakumar Yadav | 4. Robin Minz |
| 5. Tilak Varma | 5. Danish Malewar |
| 6. Corbin Bosch | 6. Raj Bawa |
| 7. Mitchell Santner | 7. Mayank Rawat |
| 8. Will Jacks | 8. Krish Bhagat |
| 9. Naman Dhir | 9. Trent Boult |
| 10. Mohammad Izhar | 10. Mayank Markande |
| 11. Allah Ghazanfar | 11. Ashwani Kumar |
| 12. Shardul Thakur | 12. Raghu Sharma |
| 13. Deepak Chahar | 13. Keshav Maharaj |
These remain projected possibilities from the article, not confirmed franchise decisions.
What This Means for the Franchise
Several stars, including Suryakumar Yadav, Bumrah and Deepak Chahar, also had difficult seasons. Inconsistent performances from star players contributed to the disappointing campaign.
Fans will now watch how Mumbai Indians handle these important decisions before IPL 2027.
