Livingstone From RCB, Rahul From DC - MI's Possible IPL Trade Targets From Each Franchise

Liam Livingstone and KL Rahul [Source: AFP Media]

The IPL 2025 was a tale of two halves for the Mumbai Indians. They had a disastrous start to their campaign with just a single win in five games. However, soon they orchestrated a dramatic turnaround and made it to the playoffs. But some gaps came in the way of them lifting their sixth IPL trophy.

To address their weaknesses from their previous seasons, the MI management might be actively looking for players in the ongoing trade window. In this article, we take a look at one player from the other nine teams whom MI can logically target to add depth to their squad ahead of the next season.

Ravichandran Ashwin - Chennai Super Kings

During the last season of the IPL, Mumbai Indians seemed to lack a bit of depth in their spin department. Ravichandran Ashwin's homecoming to CSK for a fee of ₹9.75 Cr was not a profitable venture. Given the underperformance of the experienced star at such a hefty fee, the Super Kings might look to release him.

Ravichandran Ashwin [Source: AFP Media]

As for the Mumbai Indians, they lacked a bit of depth in their spin department during the last season. Bringing in Ashwin, they can add experience, depth and a bit of dynamism in their squad. 

KL Rahul - Delhi Capitals

Ryan Rickelton turned out to be a good investment for them during the IPL 2025. However, there is a chance that the Delhi Capitals might release KL Rahul; there have been rumours around this move.

KL Rahul [Source: AFP Media]

MI might look to bring in Rahul into their squad. It would give them the option to use an Indian wicketkeeper in their playing combination and also open the innings for them. This would open up an overseas slot to be used in the bowling or all-rounder department.

Rahul Tewatia - Gujarat Titans

One of the issues with the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 was the lack of a consistent finisher. While Naman Dhir did well in patches, they probably lacked a bit of firepower down the order. Also, as discussed before, there was a lack of depth for MI in the spin department.

Rahul Tewatia [Source: AFP Media]

Rahul Tewatia comes in as a solution to both these problems. The southpaw can come in as an effective finisher and can also contribute a couple of overs of spin in the middle phase if the team needs it.

Venkatesh Iyer - Kolkata Knight Riders

One of the costliest buys of IPL 2025, the Indian batting all-rounder had a terrible time in the tournament. By the end of the season, Venkatesh Iyer was projected as a failed investment, and he could be released ahead of the next season.

Venkatesh Iyer [Source: AFP Media]

Mumbai Indians might be looking for an Indian option in their top order, and hence, they might look to go for Venkatesh Iyer. Besides, Iyer has a good record at the Wankhede Stadium, which makes him a good option for the most successful franchise in the upcoming seasons. 

David Miller - Lucknow Super Giants

The South African finisher was bought by LSG to add strength and depth to their batting line-up. However, David Miller failed to deliver with consistency, and that might lead the franchise to release him.

David Miller [Source: AFP Media]

The southpaw becomes another option for MI to explore for their missing power-hitting finisher that they have been searching for since the departure of Kieron Pollard.

Glenn Maxwell - Punjab Kings

The Australian all-rounder made a comeback to the Punjab Kings after spending three years in the RCB. However, Glenn Maxwell's homecoming also did not turn out well, as he failed to deliver with either of his trades. Given the failure of the 'Big Show' to turn up during the tournament, it might induce the Kings to release him.

Glenn Maxwell [Source: AFP Media]

Mumbai Indians had a moderate success with Will Jacks in IPL 2025. However, they might look to upgrade with Glenn Maxwell for the next season. With Australia using him as an opener in recent times, bringing him to the squad could give MI a bit of flexibility and dynamism to work with during the upcoming seasons.

Liam Livigstone - Royal Challengers Bengaluru

One more all-round option who can bowl a bit of spin and play the role of a finisher. This also gives them the chance to look beyond Will Jacks if the management wishes to. 

Liam Livingstone [Source: AFP Media]

Liam Livingstone played only one good match with the bat in the IPL 2025 and did not do much with the ball. So, the RCB might look to trade him out. Also, the fact that Will Jacks played for RCB previously might induce them to bring in Jacks for Livingstone ahead of the next season. 

Shimron Hetmyer - Rajasthan Royals

Shimron Hetmyer has been a valuable presence on the RR side for the last few seasons. However, in IPL 2025 it looked like they are not able to use him properly. Trading out the southpaw and bringing in an established spinner could be a good option for the Royals.

Shimron Hetmyer [Source: AFP Media]

On the other hand, Mumbai Indians have failed to find the proper power-hitting finisher since the retirement of Kieron Pollard. The introduction of Shimron Hetmyer might fill this gap for the five-time champions, who have been hunting for a long time.

Ishan Kishan - Sunrisers Hyderabad

Ishan Kishan [Source: AFP Media]

Once again, Ishan Kishan gives MI the option to go for an Indian option in the wicketkeeper and opener spot. Just like the possible KL deal, the introduction of Kishan in the MI squad will give them the same dynamism and flexibility. Besides, Ishan Kishan has also played for MI previously, and his inconsistency for SRH in the last season makes this an even more plausible trade move.

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