IPL 2022: Team-wise one unexpected player release ahead of the mega auction

5. Mumbai Indians – Hardik Pandya

Mumbai Indians have managed to build a good squad with several Indian players, but now that all of them have become capped, they will have severe headaches in terms of who to retain. Currently, all seven of their first-choice Indian players are a part of India’s limited-overs squads and it will be a difficult task in choosing just three.

Rohit Sharma will definitely be retained given the fact he is their captain and also one of their most important players. Jasprit Bumrah is also a guaranteed pick given that he is India’s best bowler and is exceptional at the death. The final spot will probably be a shootout between Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav.

Given the fact that Hardik Pandya doesn’t bowl for MI anymore, the decision will be based on their batting abilities and there are not many better than Suryakumar at present. Pandya’s form with the bat has been poor as well and thus, there is a good chance he could be released into the auction pool.