IPL 2026: 5 Bowlers MI might target in mini-auction

Mumbai Indians (MI) are heading into the IPL 2026 mini-auction with the lowest purse available — Rs 2.75 crore. They have already retained 20 players and can now fill a maximum of five slots, including one overseas slot. Considering the limited purse and the players they already have, even if MI decide to target a few bowlers, those signings are likely to be backup options. 

More importantly, some Indian pacers with a bit of IPL experience might get more preference, as they are expected to be available at a lower price and can help MI complete their squad for the upcoming seasons. In IPL 2025, MI qualified for the playoffs but got knocked out in the qualifier two.

Here are the 5 bowlers MI might target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Chetan Sakariya

This 27-year-old left-arm Indian pacer could be someone MI look at. Chetan Sakariya can serve as a backup option for their Kiwi pacer, Trent Boult. So far, he has played 20 IPL matches and taken 20 wickets at an economy of 8.62. 

Last year, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) picked him as an injury replacement for Umran Malik. However, he played only one match and was smashed for 39 runs in three overs at an economy of 13.00, going wicketless.

2. Wiaan Mulder

This South African seam-bowling all-rounder could be an overseas option MI might get at a lower price. Wiaan Mulder is known for his ability to swing the ball and his technically solid batting in the middle overs while playing the anchor role. 

Last year, he was with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) but played only one match. It was a tough outing, as he conceded 16 runs in one over and scored only nine runs with the bat.

3. Lungi Ngidi

Another South African option MI might consider is Lungi Ngidi. He keeps things simple by focusing on his line and length. In IPL 2025, he was part of the title-winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad. 

Although he played only two matches, he still managed to take four wickets at an economy of 10.12. Overall, he has played 16 IPL matches, picking up 29 wickets at an economy of 8.53.

4. Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal could be a strong backup option for MI considering his previous association with the franchise. Madhwal had his breakthrough season in 2023 while playing for MI, taking 14 wickets in eight innings. 

But after that, his form dipped. In 2024, also for MI, he picked up only five wickets in five matches at an economy of 11.28. MI released him after that, and in 2025, he represented Rajasthan Royals (RR), taking four wickets in four matches at an economy of 11.06.

5. Kuldeep Sen

Kuldeep Sen was bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for IPL 2025, but he did not play a single match. Before that, he spent three seasons with Rajasthan Royals (RR) and took 14 wickets in 12 games at an economy of 9.63. He could be another reliable backup option whom MI might look to pick in the mini-auction.

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