IPL 2025 Mega Auction is just around the corner, and the reverse countdown to the big Retention Day has begun. BCCI has asked all the franchises to submit their respective lists of players retained and released by October 31.
As per the mega auction rules, each team is allowed to retain a maximum of five capped cricketers. They can be Indian or foreigner, but the team will lose 75 crore out of its 120 crore auction purse if they retain. Also, teams have an additional option to retain a sixth player as the uncapped player for 4 crore. Mumbai Indians have a stacked roster, and here are five such players MI might be tempted to retain before the mega auction but they shouldn’t.
1. MI should release Ishan Kishan before IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Ishan Kishan is one of the top wicketkeepers in India. However, if MI decides to retain Kishan, they will have to shell out at least 11 crore. Kishan himself might not settle for less than 15.25 crore, which was his price at last mega auction.
2. MI should release Tilak Varma before IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Although investing in the future is a great move, Mumbai Indians have some extraordinarily talented Indian capped players in Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. These four players must be retained as capped, with other players being released.
3. Tim David
Tim David was expected to be the long-term replacement for Kieron Pollard in Mumbai Indians’ squad. However, David has struggled to hit the spinners and has other weaknesses. David will be better off in the auction.
4. Piyush Chawla
Veteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla qualifies for IPL 2025 Mega Auction as an uncapped player, as per the new rule. Chawla can be retained for 4 crore, but MI can likely sign him for a cheaper price if they try to do it from the auction.
5. Naman Dhir
Naman Dhir was impressive in his debut IPL season for Mumbai Indians last year. However, if MI wish to retain an uncapped player, it should be Nehal Wadhera. Dhir can be bought for less than 4 crore at the auction.