The Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in IPL history with 5 championship titles. The blue and gold brigade has always been known for building dynasties and creating match-winners. As IPL 2026 approaches, MI will likely retain a strong core of 15 players.
The 2025 season showed promising signs for the five-time champions. MI fought hard throughout the tournament and reached Qualifier 2, showing they still have the fighting spirit.
With the IPL 2026 mega auction around the corner, the Mumbai Indians management might decide to trust their proven performers and invest in young talent. The franchise would want to retain players that can help them maintain the winning culture that has made MI the greatest IPL team ever.
MI Retained Players for IPL 2026
Here’s the complete list of 15 players Mumbai Indians has retained:
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Hardik Pandya | All-Rounder (Captain) |
| Rohit Sharma | Batter |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler |
| Surya Kumar Yadav | Batter |
| N. Tilak Varma | Batter |
| Trent Boult | Bowler |
| Mitchell Santner | All-Rounder |
| Will Jacks | All-Rounder |
| Naman Dhir | All-Rounder |
| Raj Angad Bawa | All-Rounder |
| Robin Minz | Wicket-Keeper |
| Shrijith Krishnan | Wicket-Keeper |
| Bevon Jacobs | Wicket-Keeper Batter |
| Arjun Tendulkar | Bowler |
| V. Satyanarayana Penmetsa | Bowler |
| Ashwani Kumar | Bowler |
1. Hardik Pandya (Captain & All-Rounder)
Hardik Pandya continues as captain of the Mumbai Indians. He is India’s premier all-rounder who can change matches with both bat and ball. His explosive batting in the death overs and clever medium-pace bowling make him invaluable.
The leadership transition from Rohit Sharma to Hardik sparked debates in 2024, but the 2025 season proved MI management right. Hardik led the team to Qualifier 2, showing his tactical sharpness and ability to get the best from his players. At 32, Hardik brings energy, modern thinking, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. His fitness has improved, and he’s bowling more overs now.
Why retain him? Dynamic all-rounder, aggressive captain, and MI’s future leader. His presence gives flexibility to the playing eleven.
2. Rohit Sharma (Batter)
Rohit Sharma is MI’s heart and soul. The man who led Mumbai to 5 IPL titles remains their most important batter. His ability to pace an innings perfectly and accelerate when needed makes him irreplaceable at the top of the order.
Despite stepping down from captaincy, Rohit’s value hasn’t decreased one bit. He is one of the greatest white-ball batters India has produced. His experience of playing 18 IPL seasons and winning multiple titles brings calmness to the dressing room.
Why retain him? MI legend, proven match-winner, and the perfect opening partner for any batter. His legacy with the Mumbai Indians is unmatched.
3. Jasprit Bumrah (Bowler)
Jasprit Bumrah is the world’s best T20 bowler. His unique action, deadly yorkers, and ability to bowl in any situation make him priceless. Bumrah can defend 10 runs in the final over or take wickets with the new ball – he does everything.
Finding another bowler like Bumrah is impossible. He has won countless matches for MI single-handedly. His economy rate in death overs is the best in IPL history. Opposition teams fear him more than any other bowler.
Why retain him? Best bowler in world cricket, death-overs specialist, and MI’s trump card in every match.
4. Surya Kumar Yadav (Batter)
Surya Kumar Yadav, or SKY as fans call him, is Mumbai’s middle-order genius. His 360-degree batting and fearless stroke-play make him one of the most entertaining batters in cricket. He can hit sixes to any part of the ground.
SKY’s ability to play under pressure is outstanding. When MI needs quick runs in the middle overs, he delivers. His recent form for India in T20 internationals shows he’s at the peak of his powers. At 35, he still has 3-4 great years left.
Why retain him? World-class middle-order batter, unorthodox shot-maker, and proven performer in crucial situations.
5. N. Tilak Varma (Batter)
Tilak Varma is MI’s biggest success story from their talent development program. This young left-hander from Hyderabad has shown incredible maturity and consistency. He can anchor innings and also accelerate when the team needs quick runs.
Tilak’s rise has been phenomenal. From being an unknown player to becoming India’s left-handed batting sensation, his journey inspires everyone. At just 22 years old, he can serve the Mumbai Indians for the next 10-15 years. MI sees him as a future captain.
Why retain him? Young superstar with massive potential, consistent performer, and India’s future batting star.
6. Trent Boult (Bowler)
Trent Boult is MI’s wicket-taking machine with the new ball. The New Zealand left-arm pacer swings the ball both ways and strikes early to put opponents on the back foot. His partnership with Bumrah creates nightmare opening spells for opposition batters.
Boult’s experience in T20 leagues worldwide makes him extremely valuable. He knows how to bowl on different pitches and against various batting styles. His ability to break opening partnerships in powerplay overs gives MI early momentum in matches.
Why retain him? A lethal new-ball bowler, an experienced campaigner, and forms a devastating partnership with Bumrah.
7. Mitchell Santner (All-Rounder)
Mitchell Santner brings variety to MI’s spin department. The New Zealand white-ball captain bowls left-arm spin economically in the middle overs and can hit big shots down the order. His fielding is exceptional, and he rarely makes mistakes.
Santner’s smart bowling in the middle overs chokes run-scoring and creates pressure. He doesn’t give batters room to free their arms. His batting has improved significantly, making him a genuine all-rounder who can contribute in multiple ways.
Why retain him? Economical spinner, useful lower-order batter, and excellent fielder who adds balance to the team.
8. Will Jacks (All-Rounder)
MI spent INR 5.25 crore for Will Jacks in the IPL 2025 Auction. Jacks played 13 games for MI last season and scored 233 runs at a strike rate of 135.46. He hit one half-century. He picked up six wickets as well at an average of 20.
The 26-year-old all-rounder has made over 6000 runs in T20s and has hit five centuries. He has picked up 80 wickets as well in T20s. Jacks played for RCB in 2024 and hit a century.
Why retain him? Aggressive player, reliable spinner, and gives MI flexibility with overseas player combinations.
9. Naman Dhir (All-Rounder)
Naman Dhir is a promising young Indian all-rounder who can bowl off-spin and bat in the middle order. Though he hasn’t played many matches yet, his domestic performances have impressed MI scouts. He represents the future generation of Indian all-rounders.
MI believes in Dhir’s raw talent and wants to groom him properly. Young Indian all-rounders are extremely valuable because they provide team balance without taking foreign player spots. Given proper opportunities, Dhir could become MI’s next big all-rounder.
Why retain him? Young talent with all-round skills, doesn’t occupy overseas slot, and has high potential for growth.
10. Raj Angad Bawa (All-Rounder)
Raj Angad Bawa burst onto the scene by leading India to the U19 World Cup victory in 2022. This all-rounder can bowl medium pace and bat in the middle order. His youthful energy and fearless attitude make him an exciting prospect.
Bawa needs more game time to develop, but his basic skills are solid. MI’s talent development system has successfully nurtured youngsters before, and they want to do the same with Bawa. All-rounders like him give captains multiple options during matches.
Why retain him? U19 World Cup hero, developing all-rounder, and brings fresh energy to the squad.
11. Robin Minz (Wicket-Keeper)
Robin Minz is a young Indian wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand. Though relatively unknown, he has impressed in domestic cricket with his glovework and aggressive batting style. MI sees him as a backup keeper who can develop into a regular player.
Having quality backup keepers is crucial for long IPL seasons. Minz provides insurance if the main keeper gets injured. His batting ability means he’s not just a specialist keeper but someone who can contribute with the bat when given chances.
Why retain him? Backup keeper, young Indian talent, and useful lower-order batting option.
12. Shrijith Krishnan (Wicketkeeper)
Shrijith Krishnan is another wicket-keeping option MI has retained. He has experience playing domestic cricket for Kerala and brings stability behind the stumps. His retention shows MI wants multiple keeping options for different match situations.
Krishnan’s technique with the bat is solid, and he can play according to match requirements. Having three wicket-keepers gives MI flexibility to rest players or adjust team combinations based on pitch conditions and opposition strengths.
Why retain him? Experienced domestic keeper, reliable with gloves, and adds depth to keeper options.
13. Bevon Jacobs (Batter)
Bevon Jacobs is a New Zealand batter who can play explosive innings. Though not widely known yet, Jacobs made his international debut this year. Jacobs could be MI’s secret weapon for the upcoming seasons.
MI’s scouting network constantly searches for hidden gems from around the world. Jacobs represents that philosophy – finding talented players before other franchises discover them. If he gets opportunities, his big-hitting could win crucial matches for Mumbai.
Why retain him? Overseas keeper option, power-hitter from West Indies, and potential match-winner in death overs.
14. Arjun Tendulkar (Bowler)
Arjun Tendulkar carries the famous surname but wants to make his own identity. The left-arm pacer has been working hard on his bowling and fitness. MI has retained him, showing faith in his development as a bowler.
Being Sachin Tendulkar’s son brings enormous pressure, but Arjun handles it maturely. MI’s coaching staff believes he has the skills to succeed at the highest level. More game time and experience will help him become a reliable bowling option.
Why retain him? Left-arm pace option, improving fast bowler, and brings unique energy to the team.
15. V. Satyanarayana Penmetsa (Bowler)
Satyanarayana Penmetsa is a young Indian fast bowler who has shown promise in domestic circuits. His retention suggests MI sees bowling potential that can be developed. Indian pacers are valuable for team balance and future planning.
Penmetsa needs exposure to high-pressure matches to grow. MI’s excellent support staff can help him improve his skills and mental strength. Having young Indian pacers in the squad creates healthy competition and ensures backup if main bowlers get injured.
Why retain him? Young Indian pacer, domestic cricket performer, and potential future asset.
16. Ashwani Kumar (Bowler)
Ashwani Kumar rounds off MI’s retained players list. Another Indian bowling prospect, Kumar, brings variety to the pace attack. His retention shows MI wants depth in bowling options for the gruelling IPL season.
Developing multiple Indian bowlers ensures MI isn’t overly dependent on overseas pacers. Kumar gets the chance to learn from legends like Bumrah and Boult. This exposure to world-class bowlers will accelerate his development significantly.
Why retain him? Backup Indian pacer, adds bowling depth, and learns from world’s best bowlers.
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Conclusion: MI Has Retained 15 Players
Mumbai Indians will likely retain 15 players, showing they want stability rather than massive changes. The core of experienced superstars remains intact – Rohit, Bumrah, Hardik, and SKY. These four have won multiple titles together and know how to perform when it matters most.
At the IPL 2026 auction, MI will look for death-over bowlers, quality spinners, and middle-order hitters. With their retained core and smart auction purchases, the Mumbai Indians can challenge for their 6th IPL title. The blue and gold army has the foundation – now they need to complete the structure smartly and reclaim their throne as IPL champions.
FAQs
Mumbai Indians might retain 15 players for IPL 2026. This includes 5 batters/wicket-keepers, 4 all-rounders, and 6 bowlers. The MI retention list 2026 shows a balanced squad with experienced superstars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, along with young talents like Tilak Varma and Arjun Tendulkar.
Hardik Pandya continues as MI captain because he successfully led the team to Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025. His leadership style combines modern aggressive tactics with smart decision-making. Hardik is India’s best all-rounder who can bat explosively and bowl crucial overs. His captaincy in 2025 silenced all critics when MI performed well.
Mumbai Indians will likely retain 4 overseas players: Trent Boult (New Zealand bowler), Mitchell Santner (New Zealand all-rounder), Will Jacks (England all-rounder), and Bevon Jacobs (West Indies wicket-keeper batter).
Rohit Sharma will definitely play for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. He is MI’s most important retention and remains their key opening batter. Rohit led MI to 5 IPL titles and his experience is invaluable. Even after stepping down from captaincy, Rohit Sharma MI 2026 role is crucial.
After MI retention for IPL 2026, they need to strengthen several positions at the auction. MI requires quality Indian spinners since they have only Santner currently. They need backup fast bowlers who can bowl in death overs alongside Bumrah and Boult. Another middle-order power-hitter who can finish innings would help.
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