IPL 2025: 5 Players Mumbai Indians Should Release From Their Current Squad Ft. Rohit Sharma

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a crucible where legends are forged and legacies tested. For the Mumbai Indians (MI), a franchise synonymous with success, the 2025 season was anticipated as a resurgence after a couple of underwhelming years. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters, expectations were high. However, the season unfolded with a mix of highs and lows, culminating in a heart-wrenching exit in Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings.

Season Overview: A Tale of Two Halves

Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, MI showcased moments of brilliance, notably their victories over Delhi Capitals, which not only revived their campaign but also knocked DC out of playoff contention . Suryakumar Yadav emerged as a consistent performer, amassing 640 runs with a strike rate of 167, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s premier batters .

However, inconsistencies plagued the team. Despite setting a formidable target of 204 in Qualifier 2, MI’s bowling and fielding lapses allowed Punjab Kings to chase it down, with Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 being the standout performance . Head coach Mahela Jayawardene attributed the loss to fielding errors and poor bowling execution, emphasizing the need for introspection and strategic adjustments .

Bowling Brilliance Amidst Batting Woes

MI’s bowling unit was a beacon of hope, leading the league with 116 wickets. The return of Trent Boult added depth, while young pacer Ashwani Kumar made a memorable debut, taking 4 wickets against KKR . However, the batting lineup, despite individual brilliance, lacked cohesion. The departure of Ishan Kishan and Tim David left gaps that were not adequately filled, leading to over-reliance on a few key players.

Five Players MI Should Consider Releasing Ahead of IPL 2026

As MI strategizes for the upcoming season, certain players’ performances warrant reconsideration:

Robin Minz: The young wicketkeeper-batter struggled to make an impact, scoring just 73 runs in 9 matches at an average of 12.16 . With limited opportunities and underwhelming performances, MI might explore more consistent options.
Mitchell Santner: Despite his all-round capabilities, Santner’s contribution was modest, with 10 wickets in 13 matches and minimal impact with the bat. Given MI’s need for more dynamic all-rounders, his position might be under scrutiny.
Tilak Varma: Once hailed as a future batting mainstay, Tilak’s 2025 season was underwhelming, with 178 runs in 11 innings at an average of 16.18 . While his potential is undeniable, MI might consider giving him a break to regain form.
Deepak Chahar: Expected to bolster the pace attack, Chahar’s 11 wickets in 14 matches came at a high average and economy rate. His inability to provide breakthroughs in crucial moments could prompt MI to seek alternatives.
Rohit Sharma: The most challenging decision revolves around the iconic Rohit Sharma. With 402 runs in 16 matches at an average of 25.12, his performance was below par. As MI looks to transition to a new era, releasing Rohit could be a strategic move, albeit emotionally taxing.

Looking Ahead: Building for the Future

MI’s journey in IPL 2025 was a blend of promise and pitfalls. As they prepare for IPL 2026, the focus should be on building a cohesive unit that balances experience with youthful exuberance. Strategic acquisitions, nurturing young talent, and making tough decisions on underperforming players will be crucial.

The franchise’s legacy is built on resilience and adaptability. With introspection and decisive action, MI can aim to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of IPL success in the upcoming season.

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