Mumbai Indians endured one of the most disappointing seasons in their IPL history in 2026, managing only four wins from 14 matches and finishing ninth on the points table. A campaign filled with inconsistency, underwhelming performances, and questionable team combinations has forced the five-time champions to rethink their strategy heading into IPL 2027. With a major rebuild seemingly on the cards, several players could find themselves out of the franchise’s plans as MI look to return to their glory days. Let’s have a look at some players who could be released ahead of the next season.
5 players who might get released by MI ahead of IPL 2027
1) Hardik Pandya
The biggest talking point surrounding Mumbai Indians is the uncertain future of captain Hardik Pandya. Since returning to the franchise as skipper, Hardik has found himself under constant scrutiny from fans and experts alike. Mumbai’s struggles over the past few seasons have only intensified the pressure on the all-rounder. Reports and expert opinions suggest that both the player and the franchise may be open to moving in different directions after a difficult 2026 campaign. The leadership experiment has not delivered the desired results, and there are growing indications that a fresh start could benefit both parties.
If MI decide to part ways with Hardik, it would mark the end of a highly discussed chapter in the franchise’s history. A release or trade ahead of IPL 2027 cannot be ruled out.
2) Trent Boult
Veteran New Zealand pacer Trent Boult returned to Mumbai Indians with high expectations, but IPL 2026 turned into a season to forget for the left-arm quick. Boult featured in only five matches and managed just two wickets. More concerning was his economy rate of 11.62, which made it difficult for MI to control opposition batters during crucial phases of the innings.
At 36 years of age and carrying a significant salary burden, Mumbai may feel that investing in younger fast-bowling options would be a smarter long-term move. While Boult remains a respected T20 bowler, his recent numbers make him a strong candidate for release.
3) Deepak Chahar
Mumbai Indians invested heavily in Deepak Chahar with the hope that he would form a potent partnership with Jasprit Bumrah and provide early breakthroughs.
However, injuries and inconsistent performances once again affected his campaign. Chahar picked up only eight wickets in eight appearances while conceding runs at an economy rate exceeding ten runs per over. The right-arm pacer has traditionally been most effective during the powerplay, but his inability to consistently strike with the new ball left Mumbai exposed. Given his price tag and recurring fitness concerns, MI could decide to move on and search for a more reliable pace option.
4) Mahipal Lomror
Mahipal Lomror joined Mumbai Indians late in the season as an injury replacement and was never viewed as a long-term solution. The left-handed batter brought domestic experience to the squad, but his signing was largely made to cover an immediate gap rather than become a key part of MI’s future plans.
As franchises usually reassess their squad composition after disappointing campaigns, temporary replacement signings are often among the first players released. Lomror could therefore find himself back in the auction pool ahead of IPL 2027.
5) Mayank Markande
Mumbai Indians hoped that bringing back leg-spinner Mayank Markande would help strengthen their spin department. The move generated excitement among fans who remembered his impressive performances for the franchise in earlier seasons.
Unfortunately, the reunion did not go according to plan. Markande played only three matches and failed to take a single wicket. He also struggled with control and was targeted heavily by opposition batters whenever he came into the attack.
With MI continuing to search for a dependable spin option, the franchise may decide to explore alternative choices rather than persist with Markande.
Major rebuild expected before IPL 2027
Mumbai Indians are expected to enter IPL 2027 with a significantly different squad. If Pandya departs, leadership responsibilities could shift to established stars such as Jasprit Bumrah or Suryakumar Yadav, while Tilak Varma could emerge as a long-term leadership prospect.
After a disappointing season, MI’s management faces several crucial decisions. Releasing underperforming players may be the first step in building a squad capable of challenging for the title once again in IPL 2027.
