How MI can be frontrunner to win IPL 2026? Predicting suitable mini-auction buys

Vansh Bedi and Kumar Kartikeya [Source: AFP and @yxshh27/X]

Mumbai Indians (MI) will enter the IPL 2026 auction with the smallest purse among all ten teams. The auction is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, and the five-time champions will walk in with only INR 2.75 crore left to spend. 

Since the franchise has retained almost all of its core players, very little money remains for new signings. As a result, the management must rely on smart planning and targeted picks rather than big-name purchases.

Even though MI released nine players before the auction, most of their key performers are still in the squad.

Therefore, the team needs to fill five available slots, including one overseas position, with maximum efficiency. 

Since their purse is tight, uncapped Indian players become extremely valuable options, as they provide depth at a much lower cost.

Kumar Kartikeya

To begin with, Kumar Kartikeya stands out as a very realistic target. Rajasthan Royals released him ahead of the IPL auction, yet his recent domestic performances show steady growth. Notably, Mumbai Indians released spinners Vignesh Puthur and Karn Sharma, so the team needs at least one Indian spinner who can deliver in the middle overs. 

Furthermore, Kartikeya already knows the Mumbai setup since he played for the franchise in 2022 and 2023. This familiarity helps him fit back into the system without much adjustment.

Looking at his numbers, his recent white-ball form includes four wickets in six innings with an economy rate of 5.45. In the Ranji Trophy, he picked up twenty-one wickets in eight innings, which reflects his consistency. His base price of INR 30 lakh is within Mumbai Indians’ reach, making him a strong contender for a comeback.

Yashvardhan Dalal

Moving forward, Yashvardhan Dalal appears to be another uncapped option. The 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter impressed many with his performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. He scored 319 runs in seven innings with a strike rate of 143.05, showing maturity beyond his age. 

[Yashvardhan Dalal's SMAT 2025 numbers]

Notably, Mumbai Indians have Ryan Rickelton at the top and Rohit Sharma nearing the final stage of his career, so an Indian backup wicket-keeper who can bat in the top three becomes important. Dalal fits that requirement smoothly and arrives at a base price of INR 30 lakh, which keeps him well within Mumbai’s limited purse.

Auqib Nabi Dar

Finally, Auqib Nabi Dar has been one of the most talked-about domestic pacers this season. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler picked up fifteen wickets in seven matches in the Elite Group B T20 competition with an economy rate of 7.41. 

[Auqib Nabi Dar's numbers in SMAT 2025]

Notably, the young pacer swings the new ball, hits a strong length, and offers control in pressure situations. In first-class cricket, he has already taken 125 wickets in 36 matches, which shows long-term consistency. Several IPL franchises invited him for trials, and reports suggest he trained with MI recently.

Since Mumbai Indians must manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and add reliable Indian pace options, Nabi becomes a logical and affordable choice. His base price of INR 30 lakh gives the team a real chance of signing him despite a low purse.

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