3 Players MI are likely to release ahead of IPL 2023

Mumbai Indians have arguably had one of their worst IPL campaigns this season. The five-time champions were the first franchise to be eliminated from the playoff race, after losing eight consecutive matches. Each existing franchise was allowed only four retentions prior to the Mega Auction, and as such, the entire composition of the MI squad was shaken.

Mumbai had to release several key players, and due to a limited purse, could not go after them in the auction. The most successful IPL franchise certainly did not have a great auction strategy, as they went after players with lesser reputations than the well-established stars. Now, prior to the IPL 2023 auction, each franchise is allowed an unlimited number of retentions.

However, it is likely that given their disastrous outing in this campaign, Mumbai will release a few players. Moreover, the likes of Ben Stokes, and Sam Curran are expected to be in the auction pool next season. This gives Mumbai even more of an incentive to release the players who have not been able to perform well or fit into their squad this season.

Here are the three players, MI might release prior to IPL 2023:

1. Tymal Mills

Tymal Mills did not have a particularly good season with Mumbai Indians, as his tenure was cut short by an ankle injury, which ruled him out of IPL 2022. The English pacer played five matches this season, picking up six wickets, which is a pretty decent figure. However, the left-arm pacer was very expensive with the ball, going at an economy rate of over 11.

English speedster, Jofra Archer is expected to join the Mumbai Indians squad next season, to form a lethal bowling attack with Jasprit Bumrah. Hence, we may see Tymal Mills being released by the franchise ahead of the next year’s auction. Moreover, Mumbai also have left-arm pacers in the form of Daniel Sams and Jaydev Unadkat to call upon.

Tymal Mills is a death-over specialist, and rarely bowls with the new ball. With Jofra Archer’s arrival, the right arm pacer will bowl in the slog overs, alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Hence, it makes all the more sense for Mumbai to release Tymal Mills.