With IPL 2026 With the holding window complete and a mini-auction scheduled for December, franchises are beginning to formulate final plans for the upcoming season. Among them, Mumbai Indians (mi) Grind once again as a team that prioritizes stability while protecting its core player group. The record five-time champions, who have been champions in recent years, continued to slide, missing a sixth title. Ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan Now, a Xi has suggested a potential MI merger for 2026, giving the franchise a solid chance to return to the top.
IPL 2026: PREPARATION FOR MI
Sticking to the formulas of sustainability and long-term planning, Mi retained 20 players ahead of the IPL 2026 deadline. Includes marquee names like featured band Rohit Sharmacaptain Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma and Mitchell cross. Their massive wave of catches, however, part ways with a few notable names including mujeeb ur Rahman and Reece Tolley.
In addition, the franchise sent several strategic trades Arjun Tendulkar Bringing the super giants (LSG). Sherfane Rutherford and Shardul thakur increasing middle order and all-round depth. With 20 players locked in and the squad structure mostly settled, enter the Mi auction now with very specific requirements.
Irfan Pathan picks Mumbai Indians’ XI for IPL 2026
Pathan, mi considered one of the best-built sides in the league before entering the auction room. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Patan said that Mi’s lineup is so balanced that it only needs minor finishing touches.
“They are in the same position as RCB. Their team is settled and every base is what you can do with such a small bag. Pathan said.
Read: Explained: Can players still be sold after IPL 2026 appeal?
He also suggested an XI based on MI’s current squad composition and recent trade. The XI includes a mix of big stars, consistent performers and multi-dimensional all-rounders.
Irfan Pathan’s Mi Xi for IPL 2026: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Mitchell Santner, Mayank Markande, Trent Boult, Jasprit Boult, Jasprit Bumrah (Under Impact).
Pathan’s XI is comfortably deep in the lower order, both batting and bowling, both and bowling, depending on conditions and Santer’s availability.
MI’s auction strategy: Cash-strapped but still threatening
Having started the December auction, MI has the smallest purse among all the ten teams – only ₹ 2.75 crore. Including an outside pick to fill five slots, the franchise will be forced to take on a bargain hunter.
Despite limited funds, mi has been known to make late, high-impact buyers at auctions. Their disciplined retention strategy ensures that many of their starting players are already out of several roles, leaving several roles to be filled by already high-priced but high-value additions.
