• Home
  • Cricket Analysis
  • Ipl Trade Market 2026 How Mumbai Indians Can Convert Bench Strength Into Auction Purse Power

IPL Trade Market 2026: How Mumbai Indians Can Convert Bench Strength Into Auction Purse Power

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Will Jacks [Source: @MIPaltanFamily/x.com]Will Jacks [Source: @MIPaltanFamily/x.com]

The IPL 2025 campaign of the Mumbai Indians illuminated a familiar paradox of squad abundance creating strategic inefficiencies. While the five-time champions boasted enviable talent across all departments, several high caliber players found themselves constrained by team composition and tactical preferences. This disparity between talent acquisition and optimal deployment has crystallised a unique opportunity for the franchise to maximise returns on their considerable investments.

The current trade window presents MI with a pivotal strategic juncture. With established players like Rohti Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah forming the untouchable nucleus, the franchise must judiciously identify which quality assets can be transformed into auction capital. Three specific players emerge as prime candidates for high-value trades - each representing distinct market dynamics while sharing the common denominator of being valuable commodities who haven't fully actualised their potential within MI's existing framework.

1. Will Jacks

Will Jacks delivered solid numbers with 233 runs at 135.46 strike rate plus 6 wickets in 13 matches. However, his overseas slot limits MI's flexibility with established Indian batting depth featuring Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and emerging talents like Naman Dhir. It also gives the feeling, that the batting talents of the English all-rounder is probably not being getting utlised enough in MI's current team composition.

Trade Logic: At 25, Jacks represents the perfect modern T20 all-rounder - explosive batting with reliable off-spin. Teams lacking middle-order depth would easily pay ₹8-10 crores for his dual skills. 

2. Reece Topley

Reece Topley [Source:@MIFansArmy/x.com]Reece Topley [Source:@MIFansArmy/x.com]

Despite being a rare left-arm fast bowler, Reece Topley played just one match for MI in IPL 2025. He was their most underutilised asset in the tournament. His economy rate of 13.33 reflects limited opportunities rather than poor form.

Trade Logic: Left-arm pace bowling constitutes cricket's most sought-after specialisation. Franchises like Rajasthan Royals or Kolkata Knight Riders, lacking in this expertise, would likely authorise premium expenditure for Topley's distinctive skill set, particularly given his international credentials and role-specific clarity.

3. Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar [Source: @MIPaltanFamily/x.com]Deepak Chahar [Source: @MIPaltanFamily/x.com]

Deepak Chahar's return of 11 wickets across 14 matches, at a 9.17 economy with an average of 34.18, represents dependable yet unremarkable contributions. With Jasprit Bumrah anchoring MI's pace department and emerging Indian seamers gaining prominence, Chahar becomes the most dispensable quality Indian bowler within their configuration.

Trade Logic: Indian medium-pacers command substantial valuations owing to quota-free status. Chahar's powerplay acumen and death-over proficiency render him attractive to franchises requiring reliable Indian pace alternatives. His projected ₹7-9 crore valuation could substantially finance strategic reinforcements elsewhere.

Strategic Outlook

These calculated departures would generate approximately ₹22-27 crores while liberating valuable overseas allocations. MI's demonstrated excellence in nurturing young Indian talent validates these strategic sacrifices, effectively converting bench strength into targeted auction ammunition for specific reinforcements.