Five-time champions Mumbai Indians enjoyed a good season in IPL 2025 after a poor season in 2024. Despite their improved performance, the team missed out on another title by losing to Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2. As they look forward to IPL 2026, the management is expected to analyze their team and address the shortcomings that emerged during the last season.
One of the main challenges for Mumbai was their middle order, where the team often relied on individual talent rather than a collective unit. Their bowling attack excelled in several phases but could not dominate. Some foreign signings have also struggled to make an impact, which may force the team to look for new options in the upcoming auction. With the retention deadline set for November 15, Mumbai are likely to retain their core group while releasing funds to pursue new talent.
Here are 5 players whom Mumbai Indians can target in the IPL 2026 auction
Pathum Nissanka
Sri Lankan opening batsman Pathum Nissanka has been one of the most consistent top-order batsmen in recent years. In T20Is, he has scored over 2200 runs in 74 matches at an average of 31.58 and a strike rate of 126.55, including one century and 17 fifties. In all T20s, he has scored 3933 runs in 144 matches at an average of 128.86 and two centuries.
His recent performances have been excellent, including his stellar performance in the Asia Cup 2025, where he was the second-highest run-scorer with two fifties and a century. Nissanka's game against pace and spin is well suited to Indian conditions, especially on batting-friendly surfaces like Wankhede. With Mumbai Indians looking for a long-term top-order option, Nissanka could be a valuable overseas inclusion.
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