IPL 2025: 5 MI players who performed poorly, but can be retained for IPL 2026

Wasting large bids is not a surefire way to the heart of victory, and IPL 2025 was a season of variegated fortunes for the Mumbai Indians. While their tried and tested veterans bore the bulk of the responsibility, some high-profile acquisitions failed to convert expectation to outcome. As the MI look ahead to IPL 2026, here are five players whose 2025 performances were disappointing, but whose inherent ability and team roles create a strong argument for retaining them.

1. Deepak Chahar

Renowned as one of the game’s finest new-ball swingers, Chahar arrived with a heavy ₹ 9.25 crore tag and the hope of powerplay breakthroughs. Instead, he claimed just 11 wickets in 14 matches, leaking 9.17 runs per over—his highest economy in a full IPL season. Without his trademark control, MI’s early overs often yielded momentum to opponents.

One lean campaign can’t erase Chahar’s proven mastery of the new ball. His ability to seam and swing at 140 kph, and bowl toe-crushing yorkers at the death, remains rare. In the off-season, targeted work on his lengths and a carefully managed workload could see him reclaim his spot as MI’s powerplay enforcer and death-over specialist.

2. Will Jacks

Brought in as a genuine all-rounder game-changer, Jacks showed his mettle with a good half-century, but finished with 233 runs from 11 innings and some good bowling returns. Too many starts with never being able to convert them into big scores, and some good spells with the ball left MI yearning for the consistency they had spent money on.

In other T20 tournaments, Jacks has consistently dismantled bowling attacks at a strike rate of over 150. With a defined role—to float in at No. 3 or settle in as a finisher—and distinct bowling phases, Jacks' double-threat potential could be the X-factor MI requires in 2026.

3. Raj Angad Bawa

The promising young all-rounder was an economy-priced dart hurled in hope, but in nine games, he scored only 35 runs and 12 wickets, his best being 3/28—good flashes, but devoid of consistency.

Bawa's authentic seam-bat profile gives MI a unique mix of pace-potential bowling and aggressive lower-order hitting. For ₹ 30 lakh, he's an investment of high upside. With increased game time and guidance from Bumrah and Chahar, Bawa might develop into the sort of impact sub whose game-turning spells and pinch-hit raids make that price tag worthwhile tenfold.

4. Ashwani Kumar

A debut for the ages in IPL—4/24 in three overs vs. KKR—but then Ashwani played just six more games, finishing with 11 wickets from his first season of the league, but doing so at a steep economy of 11.31, which means he is picking up wickets but conceding runs as well.

His fiery left-arm swing, deceptive slower balls and fiery yorkers delivered one of the most memorable debuts in IPL history. At just ₹ 30 lakh, Ashwani is a low-risk, high-reward prospect. MI’s coaching staff can refine his variations and manage his overs, ensuring he bowls in phases where his skills shine, rather than being hurried into unfriendly situations.

5. Robin Minz

Signed as a gloveman-batsman reserve, Minz played only briefly and contributed only 6 runs off 15 balls in 2 innings, without leaving any dent. However, his left-handed batting position provides variety in the lower order, and his wicket-keeping ability offers insurance at the stumps.

Bench strength is important in T20, particularly for holding responsibilities. Minz's athleticism and ability to work hard indicate that he might thrive on focused game time and guidance from Rohit and others. With minimal investment, MI can have a dependable reserve option.

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