IPL 2026 Mini Auction: Top 3 players Mumbai Indians should target for in the upcoming mini auction

Mumbai Indians (MI), five-time IPL winners, enter the 2026 IPL Mini Auction with the type of conundrum that keeps recruitment teams busy: a heavyweight core, but just INR 2.75 crore to spend and five slots to fill, one of which is overseas. They've already tied up 20 players, essentially betting on continuity like the previous edition.

MI will also have a relaxed auction because of the savvy trade arrangements made by Mayank Markhande, Shardhul Thakur, and Sherfane Rutherford. That being said, here are the top three players the Mumbai Indians should target in the forthcoming 2026 IPL Mini Auction. 

1. Vignesh Puthur

Vignesh Puthur is one of the players whose brief appearances have had a long-term impact on the club. MI requires one more Indian spinner who can bowl in the middle overs and provide match-up versatility.

Vignesh Puthur played well for MI last season in limited opportunities, taking six wickets in five matches at an economy of nine runs. The left-arm Chinaman bowler from Kerala could be a nice fit for MI and fill the role of a developing spinner.