RR Captain And? 3 Players MI Could Target In Trade Deals Ahead Of IPL 2026

Anurag Dasgupta

Players MI can target in trade deals [Source: @iplt20.com] Players MI can target in trade deals [Source: @iplt20.com]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is done and dusted and the focus has already shifted to the next season which is almost 9 months away. The trade window is currently open for a few months as all the ten franchises will aim to strengthen their squad ahead of next season's mini-auction.

After a disappointing 2024 season and a not-so-great 2025 campaign, all eyes will be on the 5-time IPL winners, Mumbai Indians as they aim to bolster their squad during trade deals. The team lacks quality in certain areas and will be eager to trade unwanted players in the next couple of months. In this piece, we look at 3 players MI could use in trade deals with other teams.

Players MI could trade ahead of IPL mini auction

Players
Role
Robin MinzKeeper
Deepak ChaharBowler
Karn SharmaBowler

(Players MI could trade)

Robin Minz → Sanju Samson

Now, on paper, this deal doesn't make much sense but as per recent reports, RR could be tempted to trade Sanju Samson as even Chennai Super Kings have shown their interest in him. MI already have Ryan Rickelton as their keeper but he is inconsistent. Plus, in the last few seasons, MI's Indian core have looked topsy-turvy with Suryakumar Yadav being the only consistent player.

Hence, to add some firepower and consistency, MI could go after Samson. RR have a rich history of nurturing young talents and they are the perfect side for Robin Minz to go and develop his skills.

Deepak Chahar → Akash Madhwal

Deepak Chahar is a phenomenal bowler but over the last few seasons, he has been marred with injuries. Numerous hamstring and back issues have led to his bowling speed getting reduced and the swing has also diminished.

Enters Akash Madhwal. He came into limelight during the 2023 season when the youngster shown brilliantly for Mumbai Indians. In 8 matches during the 2023 season, he picked up 14 wickets and was the bright spot in MI's bowling attack. It could be a sensible move to try and get the RR pacer back in the MI squad as a brilliant backup for Jasprit Bumrah.

Karn Sharma  → Krishnappa Gowtham

Karn Sharma is a brilliant utility bowler but he is not an attacking wicket-taking option for Mumbai Indians. While the team has quality pacers in Bumrah and Trent Boult, the side lacks a wily spinner and here the team could go after Krishnappa Gowtham.

His best season came in 2018 when he picked up 11 wickets but over the years Gowtham has not been given the chances he deserves. Plus, he could also be a handy lower order batter and MI could go after him. If Allah Ghazanfar stays fit, he will be the automated first choice spinner but if MI needs a solid backup, Gowtham is the answer.