Mumbai Indians: 3 key players MI could offload ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 big auction, Mumbai Indians (MI) they made a big change. This change began with the return of Hardik Pandyawho was received from him Gujarat Titans (GT) with a cash-only deal before the 2024 auction. Pandya, who had led GT to two finals, won one, was sent back to MI, and took his place. Rohit Sharma as a team captain. Unfortunately, under Pandya’s leadership, MI struggled in IPL 2024, finishing bottom of the table with just four wins. His captain has faced a lot of criticism for the team’s poor performance.

BCCI meeting and final policies

On July 31, there was an important meeting between the IPL franchise and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). During this meeting, the franchise owners discussed various aspects of the upcoming big auction, including the amount of player retention allowed. This topic has generated a lot of interest and debate among franchise owners. The BCCI has indicated that it will finalize the stockholding policy which is likely to expire by the end of the month, leaving teams in the lurch and preparing for strategic decisions in the auction.

As the BCCI finalizes the rules and teams prepare for the big auction, MI will need to make strategic decisions to rebuild and strengthen their squad. The focus will be on developing their system to improve performance and competitiveness next season.

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3 key players MI may consider releasing ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction:

1. Inconsistent opening batter

Functional overview

Ishan KishanThe duration of MI and MI is characterized by peaks and troughs. In IPL 2024, his performance was inconsistent. Although he has shown his contributions in previous seasons, his contributions this year are not enough for what was expected. Despite being a talented opener and wicket-taker, his inability to deliver consistent winning performances has raised concerns.

Releasing this player would be a strategic move for MI. Despite his strong performances in the past, his current inconsistency may prompt MI to explore other options. By letting him go, MI may be able to re-sign him at a lower cost or use the saved budget to find players who better fit their current strategy. This approach will allow MI to rejuvenate their team and improve the team’s balance.

2. An all-rounder with unequaled contributions

Functional overview

Romario Shepherd’s 2024 season revealed a huge imbalance in his contributions. While he showed strong ability to score quickly with the bat, his bowling was not easy. Over six matches, he scored 57 runs with a top score of 39*, but his bowling yielded one wicket in 72 balls at an economy rate of 13.25. This imbalance has been a concern for MI.

Given Shepherd’s ineffective bowling and overall limited impact, MI might consider releasing him. Despite his strong batting statistics, his inability to contribute meaningfully with the ball may make MI look for a balanced all-rounder. This move will allow MI to acquire a player who excels in both batting and bowling, improving the team’s flexibility and effectiveness.

3. A seasoned player with a subpar performance

Functional overview

Mohammad Nabi’s 2024 season was marked by subpar performances. He managed just 35 runs in seven matches, scoring a high of 23, and his bowling was equally disappointing. He took just two wickets from 74 balls at an economy rate of 8.84. His low contributions with the bat and the ball raise questions about his future role with the team.

MI may consider releasing Nabi to make way for stronger players. His lack of big impact in both batting and bowling may make MI look for alternatives that offer better consistency and performance. This strategic decision will help MI to strengthen its squad and face the demands ahead of IPL 2025.

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