Cut the Deadweight: Why It’s Time for MI to Release These Players

Cut the Deadweight: Why It’s Time for MI to Release These Players

Mumbai Indians’ 2025 IPL campaign was a rollercoaster, with thrilling highs and frustrating lows keeping fans on the edge of their seats. After starting their campaign shakily, the team put together a good run in the playoffs, but there were plenty of moments of brilliance amongst their poor performances, which made it all the harder to understand why the team did not perform at a higher level consistently. With the IPL 2026 auction less than a month away, this is a perfect time for MI to look closely at its roster and make some big decisions. 

Deepak Chahar – Expensive Gamble That Didn’t Pay Off

Deepak Chahar has been a familiar face in the MI lineup, but IPL 2025 reminded everyone why he might not be the best investment anymore. With only 11 wickets in 14 matches and a jaw-dropping economy rate of 9.17, Chahar struggled to make an impact beyond the first couple of overs in the powerplay. Sure, he adds some batting depth, but at ₹9 crore, you can’t really justify that. His injury history has always been a concern, and the wear-and-tear caught up with him again toward the end of the season. The harsh truth? MI could free up a big chunk of their budget by releasing Chahar and then either buy him back at a more reasonable price or explore some fresh pace options who can bowl consistently in every phase of the game.

Reece Topley – One Game Wonder (and Not in a Good Way)

If there’s one player who barely left a mark in IPL 2025, it’s Reece Topley. Playing just a single match at the crucial business end of the tournament, Topley conceded 40 runs in three overs. Ouch. That’s not the kind of performance you can hang your hopes on when chasing a sixth IPL title. The English pacer didn’t really offer anything new or threatening at any stage of the innings, and even a mini-auction might see him struggle to attract interest from other franchises. MI would be smart to let him go and invest in bowlers who can make a tangible difference in tight games, rather than keeping someone who’s essentially a backup with very little upside.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman – Spin That Didn’t Spin

Mujeeb Ur Rahman came in for the injured Allah Ghazanfar, but it’s fair to say there was little to commend his stint at MI. Mujeeb made one appearance, bowling two overs for 28 runs, and he left little in the way of a mark. As Ghazanfar will be back for next season, there is little reason for MI to hang on to someone who is no longer dependable in white-ball cricket. Given his lack of grip and reliability in a T20 match, it is risky to include Mujeeb, and MI could source domestic spinners with more mystery and consistency in the middle overs.

FAQs 

Q1: How did Reece Topley perform in IPL 2025?

He played only one match and conceded 40 runs in three overs, offering minimal impact.

Q2: Is Mujeeb Ur Rahman likely to continue with MI in 2026?

No, with Allah Ghazanfar returning, Mujeeb’s inconsistent performances make him expendable.

Q3: What is the main issue with MI’s bench strength?

Their squad lacked reliable backup options, forcing reliance on inconsistent players.

 

Stay updated on the latest cricket news and exciting updates at Six6slive. Dive into our in-depth articles and analyses to connect with the action today!

Top Stories

Scroll to Top
Switch Dark Mode