As the countdown to IPL 2026 intensifies, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are preparing for a major reshuffle ahead of the mini-auction. The franchise, known for its sharp recruitment and long-term planning, is expected to make some tough calls this season.

Predicted 2026 MI Released Players

With several underperformers and high-cost players under scrutiny, the MI released players list could bring both expected and surprising exits. As fans brace for official announcements, let’s take a closer look at who might not cut this time.

Will Jacks

Role: All-Rounder (England)

One of the most talked-about names among the MI released players list is likely to be Will Jacks. The English all-rounder was expected to add versatility to the middle order and provide handy overs with the ball. However, his 2025 season fell short of expectations. In 13 matches, Jacks managed 233 runs at an average of just 23.30 and a strike rate of 135.47, decent but far from match-winning. His only half-century came in a losing cause, and he struggled to convert starts into impactful finishes.

Will Jacks’s Batting in IPL 2025

Will Jacks’s Bowling in IPL 2025

On the bowling front, Jacks picked up 6 wickets at an economy rate of 8.57, which, while respectable, didn’t justify his overseas spot or the price tag attached to him. With MI already having a solid all-round base featuring the in-form Mitchell Santner, who offered much more control and consistency, it seems likely that Jacks could find himself among the list of players Mumbai Indians release before the 2026 IPL Auction. The franchise may look to reinvest in a more explosive middle-order batter who can consistently turn games around, something Jacks couldn’t quite manage in IPL 2025.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Role: Spinner (Afghanistan)

Another potential departure from the 2026 MI released players list could be Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Known for his variations and mystery spin, Mujeeb has seen a dip in both form and opportunities over the past few seasons. He played just one match in IPL 2025, conceding 28 runs in his two-over spell and taking a solitary wicket.Given Mumbai’s strong spin department featuring Mitchell Santner, who was one of the standout performers last season with his economical spells and lower-order hitting, Mujeeb’s place in the setup looks uncertain.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s Bowling in IPL 2025

His economy rate of 14.00 in 2025 was his most expensive yet, and with MI’s bowling balance already well-served by Santner’s left-arm spin and all-round capability, a high-priced overseas spinner might not fit into the 2026 plans. The management could opt to free up his slot and budget for a more dynamic pacer or a young Indian spinner. Hence, Mujeeb seems set to feature prominently in the list of released players for the Mumbai Indians this year.

Reece Topley

Role: Left-Arm Pacer (England)

Reece Topley’s inclusion in the 2026 MI released players list appears inevitable after an injury-hit and unimpactful 2025 season. The tall English seamer managed to play only one game last year, conceding 40 runs in three overs without picking up a wicket. For a player relied upon to provide new-ball breakthroughs and death-over control, such numbers simply don’t make the cut in a team like the Mumbai Indians.

Reece Topley’s Bowling in IPL 2025

In his overall IPL career, Topley has taken just 5 wickets in 6 matches at an alarming economy rate of over 11. With MI already boasting a strong pace battery featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal, and Arjun Tendulkar improving his death bowling, retaining Topley doesn’t appear to serve much tactical value. His release would not only open up an overseas slot but also allow the franchise to scout for a more reliable left-arm for the Mumbai Indians.

Karn Sharma

Role: Leg-Spinner (India)

A familiar name across franchises, Karn Sharma might be another experienced campaigner to feature on the 2026 MI released players list. While he brought veteran presence and stability, Mumbai often prefers to rotate younger spinners to adapt to the shorter boundaries and batting-friendly nature of Wankhede. In IPL 2025, Karn played six matches and took seven wickets at a respectable average of 18.29.

Karn Sharma’s Bowling in IPL 2025

However, his economy rate of 8.53 suggests that he often leaked runs in crucial overs. With Mitchell Santner performing consistently as MI’s main spinner, Karn’s role in the setup looks limited. At 37, he may no longer fit into MI’s long-term plans, especially when the franchise has invested in developing younger domestic bowlers who offer better fielding agility and value for money. His name on the list for the players released by the Mumbai Indians wouldn’t come as a huge surprise but rather a calculated decision to balance experience with fresh energy.

Robin Minz

Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter (India)

Robin Minz, one of MI’s young recruits, was hyped as an explosive wicketkeeper-batter with a bright future. However, his IPL 2025 campaign didn’t go according to plan. In two matches, he scored only 6 runs at a strike rate of 40.00, failing to impress either with the bat or behind the stumps. Considering Mumbai’s packed wicketkeeping lineup and the availability of reliable Indian options, Minz’s retention appears unlikely.

Robin Minz’s Batting in IPL 2025

His release from the 2026 MI released players list could open doors for more experienced backup keepers or dynamic young Indian batters who can double up as finishers. MI’s philosophy has always revolved around maximising bench strength, and while Minz’s story might not be over, the franchise could choose to let him develop outside the squad for now.