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. 

2. Auqib Nabi

Auqib Nabi, a 29-year-old pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, has recently gained popularity in Indian cricket circles and is expected to fetch a high price in the IPL 2026 auction. Nabi has taken 15 wickets in his seven Elite Group B matches, with an economy rate of 7.41.

Nabi has an outstanding ability to swing the new ball and a fantastic first-class record of 125 wickets in just 36 games. MI is well-known for its scouting department; therefore, it is unsurprising that the team will strive to secure his pace services this season. 

3. KM Asif

KM Asif, the right-arm seamer, is presently leading the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 with 15 wickets in six innings. Asif also has impressive T20 credentials, having taken 55 wickets in 42 innings.

MI will keenly observe the Kerala pacer's bowling style, which is suitable for Wankhede Stadium conditions. His underutilised IPL numbers of four wickets in three matches make him an important addition to the pacers' squad.