IPL 2026: 5 All-rounders MI might target in mini-auction

Mumbai Indians need an all-round injection that does more than merely plug a slot. They want match-winners who can change a game with a bat or ball in two overs. After retention day left several big names in the mini-auction pool, MI have clear, role-specific options. Below are five all-rounders who make sense for Mumbai’s structure.

1. Andre Russell

Russell is still the ultimate “one-over” match-winner. He is a batter who can turn a defence into a chase and a seam option who chips in with overs. KKR’s shock decision to release him puts Russell squarely in the auction mix and guarantees huge interest. 

For MI, he’s a late-innings dynamite who would sit above the death-over finishers and offer a few overs of pace. The trade-off is consistency and workload, which the teams must accept that Russell’s value is explosive, not night-in, night-out volume.

2. Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell’s batting range of improv, risk-taking and an ability to bat anywhere from 3–7, fits MI’s need for a flexible middle-over accelerator. PBKS have released him ahead of the mini-auction, and although a finger injury and patchy 2025 form dented his season, his capacity to find gaps and rotate between spin and pace hitting remains unique. 

Mumbai could use Maxwell as the glue between the top four and finishers as he creates matchups (spin vs pace) and shifts momentum with a single over. He has not performed in the IPL in the last few seasons, but his last season with the Mumbai Indians had surely got a good result out of him. Wankhede suits this player especially and can be the comeback year for him.

3. Liam Livingstone

Livingstone brings brutal boundary-clearing and a developing off-spin that gives captains tactical levers. RCB’s decision to release him (largely financial) doesn’t change the fact he offers multi-role value: quickfire power in the powerplay or mid-innings, and two overs if conditions suit. 

For MI, who already plan for a heavy seam attack, Livingstone provides the extra hitting depth that can swing tight run-chases. His auction price will reflect the buyer’s appetite for pure hitting.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga 

Hasaranga is different. He is a genuine wicket-taking wrist-spinner whose batting is a valuable bonus. Released into the pool by RR, he’d solve MI’s middle-over wicket problem without forcing a big change to their seam-heavy plan. Mumbai also seems to be lighter in the spin department where Hasaranga can come in with quality spin, securing the middle overs as a genuine match-winner.

Hasaranga’s leg-spin creates pressure where conventional off-spin sometimes cannot, and his lower-order hitting means MI wouldn’t have to compromise batting depth for bowling bite. He’s a premium option if Mumbai want a second spin match-winner alongside their pace battery.

5. Moeen Ali

Moeen’s left-hand batting and off-spin give consistent middle-over control and match management. KKR released him, so he’s available. He won’t out-power the big sloggers but steadies innings, rotates strike, and bowls reliable overs.

He is the kind of role player who increases strategic flexibility (e.g., letting MI keep an extra seamer). For a purse-conscious MI, Moeen could be a value buy who fills many tactical boxes at once. The team management is going in with just 2.75 crores in their purse and will have to be wary of how much they spend. Here, Moeen Ali can be the key to their auction strategy.

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