IPL 2025 Retention Players List Mumbai Indians Probability and Mega Auction Strategy

As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, Mumbai Indians (MI) are preparing to balance experience and fresh talent, aiming to stay at the top of the IPL hierarchy. With key coaching appointments such as Paras Mhambrey and Lasith Malinga returning to the fold, MI's management looks poised to shape a formidable team under the leadership of Mahela Jayawardene. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their potential retention strategy, auction plans, and key targets for the upcoming season.

Mumbai Indians (MI) IPL 2025 Mega Auction Strategy will likely revolve around a combination of scouting emerging talents and making big buys to fill crucial gaps. With their track record of success, MI is known for spotting future stars early, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, and nurturing them into key players. The franchise's sharp talent scouting network, combined with its world-class training facilities and expert coaching staff, ensures that they maximize the potential of every player.

Let’s dive into MI's expected retention list, auction strategy, and key targets for IPL 2025.

Core Retentions for IPL 2025

Mumbai Indians are expected to retain their top-performing players who have consistently contributed to the team's success. Here are the likely candidates:

1. Rohit Sharma

   • As the team’s captain and batting lynchpin, Rohit Sharma remains indispensable. Despite some inconsistency in form recently, his leadership and experience make him an automatic retention​

2. Ishan Kishan

   • Kishan, MI’s explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, has proven his worth at the top of the order. His versatility and ability to accelerate the scoring make him a key player in the retention strategy​

3. Hardik Pandya

   • Hardik’s return to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans (as per recent rumors) adds to MI's firepower. A valuable all-rounder, Hardik is likely to be retained for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball​

4. Jasprit Bumrah

   • Bumrah’s return to form after recovering from injury will be pivotal. As MI’s pace spearhead, he’s a sure-shot retention, especially with Paras Mhambrey and Lasith Malinga handling the bowling department​.

5. Suryakumar Yadav

   • SKY, as he’s popularly known, has become one of the most reliable batsmen in T20 cricket. His match-winning ability in the middle order ensures he will remain a part of MI's core​

6. Tilak Varma

   • A rising star in the IPL, Tilak Varma’s consistent performances in the middle order make him a promising young talent worth retaining. He is likely to be a key part of MI’s future​

Right to Match (RTM) Options

Mumbai Indians may utilize the Right to Match (RTM) card for key players entering the auction. Here are potential RTM candidates:

1. Tim David (RTM)

   • Tim David has emerged as a powerful finisher for MI. His ability to clear the boundary at the death makes him a valuable asset, and MI might use the RTM card to secure his services if his auction price escalates​

2. Dewald Brevis (RTM)

   • The South African youngster, nicknamed “Baby AB,” has shown glimpses of brilliance. MI could use RTM to ensure Brevis remains part of their setup, as he’s seen as a long-term investment

Key Auction Targets from Other Franchises

Mumbai Indians will also look to bring in key players from other franchises to strengthen their squad:

1. Rahul Tewatia (from Gujarat Titans)

   • Known for his incredible finishing and leg-spin, Tewatia would add flexibility to MI’s middle order and bowling lineup

Emerging Players MI May Target

To maintain their tradition of grooming young talent, MI will likely look to add emerging players in the 2025 auction:

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
   • Gurbaz is currently one of the most explosive T20 players internationally, making him a perfect fit for MI’s dynamic batting lineup​, With a growing reputation as one of the best openers in T20 cricket, Rahmanullah Gurbaz could be targeted by MI to bolster their top order. His aggressive style complements MI’s attacking approach

Foreign Players Mumbai Indians May Target

To complement their Indian core, MI will aim to bring in top-quality foreign players:

1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

   • Rashid Khan, currently leading the MI Cape Town franchise in the SA20 league, has showcased his leadership and match-winning abilities on the global T20 stage. His experience with Mumbai's sister franchise in South Africa strengthens his chances of being a prime target for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 auction. As one of the best leg-spinners in T20 cricket, his acquisition would not only boost MI’s spin department but also add valuable leadership depth

2. Liam Livingstone (England)

   • Liam Livingstone, a dynamic all-rounder known for his explosive batting and handy spin bowling, is currently playing for MI Cape Town in the SA20 league. With his versatility and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Livingstone could be a valuable addition to MI’s squad as they look to strengthen both their batting and bowling options

Complete Expected Squad for IPL 2025

Based on retentions, RTM options, and potential auction targets, here’s an expected Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2025:

Top Order:

1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
2. Ishan Kishan
3. Suryakumar Yadav
4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Middle Order:

1. Hardik Pandya
2. Tilak Varma
3. Liam Livingstone

All-Rounders:

1. Tim David (RTM)
2. Rahul Tewatia

Pace Attack:

1. Jasprit Bumrah
2. Nuwan Thushara
3. Dilshan Madushanka

Spin Department:

1. Rashid Khan
2. Piyush Chawla

Mumbai Indians IPL 2024 squad with player prices

1. Rohit Sharma – Batter – ₹16.00 crore
2. Ishan Kishan – Wicket-Keeper – ₹15.25 crore
3. Hardik Pandya – All-Rounder – ₹15.00 crore
4. Jasprit Bumrah – Bowler – ₹12.00 crore
5. Tim David – Batter – ₹8.25 crore
6. Suryakumar Yadav – Batter – ₹8.00 crore
7. Gerald Coetzee – All-Rounder – ₹5.00 crore
8. Nuwan Thushara – Bowler – ₹4.80 crore
9. Dilshan Madushanka – Bowler – ₹4.60 crore
10. Dewald Brevis – All-Rounder – ₹3.00 crore
11. Tilak Varma – Batter – ₹1.70 crore
12. Mohammad Nabi – All-Rounder – ₹1.50 crore
13. Jason Behrendorff – Bowler – ₹0.75 crore
14. Piyush Chawla – Bowler – ₹0.50 crore
15. Romario Shepherd – All-Rounder – ₹0.50 crore
16. Arjun Tendulkar – Bowler – ₹0.30 crore
17. Shams Mulani – All-Rounder – ₹0.20 crore
18. Akash Madhwal – Bowler – ₹0.20 crore
19. Kumar Kartikeya – Bowler – ₹0.20 crore
20. Vishnu Vinod – Wicket-Keeper – ₹0.20 crore
21. Shivalik Sharma – All-Rounder – ₹0.20 crore
22. Naman Dhir – All-Rounder – ₹0.20 crore
23. Nehal Wadhera – All-Rounder – ₹0.20 crore
24. Anshul Kamboj – All-Rounder – ₹0.20 crore
25. Shreyas Gopal – Bowler – ₹0.20 crore

In auctions, MI is also famous for bold and successful big-ticket purchases, like securing Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma, who have been instrumental in their multiple title wins. For IPL 2025, this strategy will continue, as they aim to balance proven match-winners with new talent to maintain their dominance. Expect MI to be aggressive in pursuing star players who fit their brand of aggressive, winning cricket.