Top 3 players Mumbai Indians can release ahead of IPL 2027 auction

Mumbai Indians (MI) have some big decisions to make before the IPL 2027 mini-auction. The five-time champions have struggled to find consistency in recent seasons and will be keen to put together a stronger squad. With the retention deadline set for November 17, the team management has little time to decide which players should stay and who could be shown the door.

The franchise has already made a major change by agreeing to trade Hardik Pandya to Punjab Kings in exchange for Arshdeep Singh, with the deal now reported to have received BCCI approval. Arshdeep's arrival will strengthen Mumbai's pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah. The move could also affect Trent Boult's future, while Rohit Sharma is expected to return as captain.

MI will also need more money in their purse to address other areas of the squad. Releasing a few expensive players could help the franchise bring in fresh faces at the auction. Here are three players Mumbai Indians could release ahead of IPL 2027.

The three players PBKS can release: Salaries, form and the purse savings

3. Quinton de Kock (INR 1 crore)-

Quinton de Kock returned to Mumbai Indians at his base price of INR 1 crore. While his release would not make a big difference to the MI purse for IPL 2027, it could help the franchise open up an overseas player slot. MI may use that spot to bring in a foreign all-rounder or strengthen another area of the squad.

The South African batter scored 132 runs in three matches during IPL 2026, including a century. However, he was unable to feature throughout the season, which affected MI's plans. His limited availability could make the management think twice before retaining him for another year.

Ryan Rickelton has already established himself as an important wicketkeeper-batter for Mumbai. He finished IPL 2026 as MI's leading run-scorer with 448 runs, while Robin Minz provides another option. With these players available, a Quinton de Kock release MI could make sense ahead of the mini-auction.

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2. Deepak Chahar (INR 9.25 crore)-

Deepak Chahar was expected to make Mumbai Indians' new-ball attack stronger when he joined the franchise ahead of IPL 2025. MI spent INR 9.25 crore to bring him on board, hoping he would provide early wickets alongside Jasprit Bumrah. However, his time with the franchise has not gone as planned.

The 34-year-old has taken 19 wickets in 22 matches for Mumbai Indians. Chahar was once a dangerous bowler with the new ball and played an important role in Chennai Super Kings' title-winning campaigns. His recurring injuries and lack of consistent performances have become major concerns.

Mumbai could get the entire INR 9.25 crore back into their purse by releasing him. With Arshdeep Singh now joining the franchise, MI have another Indian fast bowler who can take responsibility with the new ball. A Deepak Chahar release MI would also give the management more money to look for a younger and fitter bowling option at the auction.

1. Trent Boult (INR 12.5 crore)-

Trent Boult is another experienced player whose future at Mumbai Indians could be in doubt. The franchise spent INR 12.5 crore to bring the New Zealand pacer back ahead of IPL 2025. He delivered an excellent first season, but his performances dropped sharply in the following campaign.

Boult picked up 22 wickets in 16 matches during IPL 2025. However, he managed only two wickets in five appearances in IPL 2026, which was a big drop from his previous season. At 37, the left-arm pacer is also entering the later stages of his career.

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The arrival of Arshdeep Singh could make Boult's position even more difficult. Mumbai now have another quality left-arm pacer who can bowl in the powerplay and at the death. A Trent Boult release MI would free up INR 12.5 crore, making him the biggest name on this list in terms of potential purse savings.