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Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage where legends are born and legacies are tested. For the Mumbai Indians, a team synonymous with success and star power, the 2025 season was expected to be a turning point after a couple of underwhelming years. Armed with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters, MI fans hoped for a resurgence. However, the season unfolded with more questions than answers.
MI, one of the most storied franchises in IPL history, entered the 2025 season with high hopes and a refreshed squad under the guidance of returning head coach Mahela Jayawardene. Despite possessing a formidable bowling unit and a roster filled with both experienced internationals and promising youngsters, MI’s campaign was inconsistent. While their bowlers topped the wicket charts with 116 wickets—the most by any team in IPL 2025—their batting and overall team cohesion failed to deliver the desired results, leading to another disappointing season.
As the franchise looks ahead to IPL 2026, difficult decisions must be made, including releasing some high-profile names and underperformers to pave the way for a new era. Here’s a look at five players, including the iconic Rohit Sharma, that Mumbai Indians should consider releasing from their current squad.
5 Players Mumbai Indians should release from their current squad
1. Robin Minz
The young wicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz struggled to cement his place in the MI playing XI. Despite being given opportunities in the middle order, Minz managed just 6 runs in 2 matches at an average of 3 and a strike rate below 40. His inability to accelerate in the death overs and convert starts into meaningful scores put pressure on the rest of the batting lineup. With several domestic options and overseas stars vying for limited spots, Minz’s lack of impact makes him a candidate for release.
2. Mitchell Santner
Signed for his all-round abilities, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner failed to live up to expectations in IPL 2025. In 13 matches, Santner picked up only 10 wickets at an economy rate of 8.25 and contributed a mere 56 runs with the bat. His lack of penetration with the ball and minimal batting returns meant he often played a peripheral role. With MI boasting a strong spin contingent and needing more dynamic all-rounders, Santner’s position in the squad looks untenable.
3. Tilak Varma
Once hailed as a future batting mainstay, Tilak Varma endured a lean season in 2025. He scored just 178 runs in first 11 innings at an average of 16.18 and a strike rate of 119, failing to register a single fifty. Varma’s struggles against both pace and spin, coupled with a string of low scores in crucial chases, hurt MI’s middle-order stability. As the franchise eyes a batting overhaul, Varma’s form slump could see him released to make way for fresh talent.
4. Deepak Chahar
Brought in to bolster the pace attack, Deepak Chahar managed only 11 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 34.45 and an economy rate of 9.1. His inability to provide breakthroughs in the powerplay and leaking runs at the death proved costly in several matches. With MI’s pace battery otherwise firing on all cylinders, Chahar’s underwhelming returns suggest that the franchise could look elsewhere for a more impactful Indian seamer.
5. Rohit Sharma
The biggest decision for Mumbai Indians management revolves around their legendary former captain, Rohit. While Rohit remains one of the most recognizable faces in the IPL, his performance in the 2025 season was far from his best. In 16 matches, he scored 402 runs at an average of 25.12 and a strike rate of 128, with only two half-centuries. Rohit’s struggles to convert starts and his declining consistency have become apparent over the past two seasons. With MI looking to transition to a new generation, releasing Rohit—though emotionally difficult—could be a strategic move to free up a marquee slot and invest in younger talent.
Also READ: Complete list of Player of the Match winners in IPL Final since 2008 to 2025
