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With the IPL 2026 retention window completed and the mini-auction scheduled for December, franchises have begun shaping their final blueprints for the upcoming season. Among them, the Mumbai Indians (MI) stand out once again as a team that has prioritised stability by retaining the core group of players. While the record five-time champions have looked strong on paper in recent years, the elusive sixth title has continued to slip away. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has now offered his take on MI’s potential combination for 2026, suggesting a playing XI that he believes gives the franchise a solid chance to return to the top.
IPL 2026: Retentions complete, auction preparations underway for MI
MI retained 20 players ahead of the IPL 2026 deadline, sticking to their formula of continuity and long-term planning. The retained group includes marquee names such as Rohit Sharma, captain Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Mitchell Santner. Their massive retention wave, however, meant parting ways with several notable names, including Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Reece Topley.
In addition, the franchise made a couple of strategic trades—sending Arjun Tendulkar to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), while bringing in Sherfane Rutherford and Shardul Thakur to boost their middle order and all-round depth. With 20 players locked in and the squad structure largely settled, MI now enter the auction with very specific requirements.
Irfan Pathan selects Mumbai Indians’ playing XI for IPL 2026
Pathan believes MI remain one of the best-constructed sides in the league, even before they step into the auction room. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said MI’s squad is so balanced that they only need minor finishing touches.
“They are in the same situation as RCB. Their team seems settled and every base is covered. You might wonder what they can do with such a small purse. But they always pull a rabbit out of the hat. It’s magic. So they’ll find a player who’ll surprise everyone,” Pathan said.
Also READ: Explained: Can players still be traded after IPL 2026 retentions?
He also suggested a potential XI based on MI’s current squad composition and their recent trades. The XI includes a blend of senior 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/Corbin Bosch, Mayank Markande, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah (Impact Sub).
Pathan’s XI features depth in both batting and bowling, with flexibility in the lower order depending on conditions and Santner’s availability.
MI’s auction strategy: Cash-strapped but still threatening
Heading into the December auction, MI have the smallest purse among all ten teams—just ₹2.75 crore remaining. With five slots to fill, including one overseas pick, the franchise will be forced to adopt a bargain-hunting approach.
Despite limited funds, MI are known for making smart, high-impact buys late in auctions. Their disciplined retention strategy ensures that most of their starting players are already secured, leaving only a few roles to be filled by low-cost but high-value additions.
