IPL 2025: Top 3 players MI might release ahead of mega-auction

Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful teams in the history of the Indian Premier League, finished twice in the last three editions of the competition. Rohit Sharma was axed from captaincy ahead of the 2024 edition of the competition and that created massive controversy as the majority of the fans were not happy with Hardik Pandya replacing him. The team too failed to do well, which might force the team to make some brave calls.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials have not released their final verdict on the retention and RTM cards rule but Mumbai will have to let go of the majority of their players due to the upcoming mega-auction. Several top cricketers last year expressed their disappointment after the captaincy change, which might play a part in them not renewing their contracts ahead of the next edition.

The team management would be desperate to retain the core squad and build a team for the future. It needs to be seen who are the players they would trust to build the squad upon.

Here are three key players Mumbai Indians can release ahead of IPL 2025:

3. Gerald Coetzee

After picking up 20 wickets in eight matches in the ODI World Cup 2023, Mumbai Indians signed the South Africa international for INR 5 crore in the IPL auction. He had a decent outing in his opening season as the 23-year-old picked up 13 wickets in ten matches. However, keeping the mega-auction in mind, Mumbai will have to let him go.

The franchise is very likely to retain Jasprit Bumrah and focus more on retaining their core players. That’s where Coetzee doesn’t fit. Among foreigners, Tim David and Dilshan Madushanka are ahead in the pecking order as they are more accustomed to the conditions of the Wankhede Stadium.

However, Mumbai may not shy away from using their RTM card on Coetzee. Since a lot of pacers will be available in the mega-auction, they might get him cheaper as well. 

Also Read: Top 3 players RCB might release ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction