IPL 2026: MI set to reunite with leg-spinners Mayank Markande and Rahul Chahar

The Mumbai Indians (MI) are desperately putting their efforts into strengthening their bowling department. As per the latest reports, ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, the multi-time IPL franchise is on the way to reunite with Mayank Markande and Rahul Chahar. For Mayank, the franchise is reportedly engaged in conversation with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). 

It was previously reported that MI can rope in an extra spinner to make their bowling line-up stronger. Markande and Chahar, who both played for the Mumbai Indians, can reunite with the franchise ahead of the new Indian Premier League season. KKR bought the wrist-spinner, Mayank Markande, for INR 30 lakh at the mega auction last year but didn't give him a single game in the entire season.  

On the other side, Sunrisers Hyderabad bought Rahul Chahar for INR 3.20 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. For SRH, Rahul went to play only one match in the IPL 2025 season. After leaving Mumbai Indians for Punjab Kings, the spinner's career dipped down instead of taking off. After spending three seasons with Punjab Kings, Chahar moved to SRH, where he barely got any chance to perform. 

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MI set to reunite with Mayank Markande and Rahul Chahar

Markande's IPL career graph has not been similar after leaving the Mumbai Indians. He debuted in the IPL with MI as a mystery spinner, played 14 matches in IPL 2018, and took 15 wickets, and a few seasons later he joined the Rajasthan Royals, then again joined MI in IPL 2022. He was with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023 and IPL 2024 and hinted at regaining his momentum. But joining Kolkata Knight Riders might be a wrong decision, as there he did not get any single match to perform in IPL 2025. 

Both Mayank and Rahul will definitely look to revamp their performance in the IPL, the same as the Mumbai Indians. The five-time IPL champions travelled on a bumpy road in the recent past. They are now desperate to revisit their glory days. The possible additions of Mayank Markande and Rahul Chahar will definitely help them to bolster their squad strength and bowling depth.