Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians endured one of their worst IPL seasons in 2026, finishing ninth on the points table with just four wins from 14 matches and failing to reach the playoffs. The five-time champions are now expected to reassess their squad composition ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction, scheduled for December 16 in Goa.

Adding to the reshuffle is the confirmed trade that brought Arshdeep Singh to MI from Punjab Kings, a move that directly affects the franchise's bowling combination planning. With the retention deadline approaching, several players could find themselves released as MI look to free up purse space and auction slots.

These are the 3 MI players whose places could be at risk:

3. Quinton de Kock

South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock is one overseas player whose place in MI's 2027 plans could come under review. Although de Kock brings considerable international experience and has delivered strong IPL performances in the past, MI may look to reconfigure their overseas slots following the disappointing 2026 campaign.

However, de Kock was not entirely without impact in IPL 2026. He scored 132 runs across three innings at an average of 66.00 and a strike rate of 160.97, including a knock of 112 not out. With Ryan Rickelton being a strong overseas option at MI, the franchise faces a decision on whether both overseas spots can be justified for that role. Releasing de Kock would allow Mumbai to deploy those slots more strategically elsewhere in the XI.

2. Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar is another player whose place could be under threat ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. The right-arm pacer had an underwhelming campaign in 2026, managing just eight wickets in eight matches. He also struggled to maintain consistency with the new ball, which has traditionally been one of his biggest strengths.

Chahar's price tag could also become a major factor in Mumbai's decision. The franchise spent INR 9.25 crore to secure his services, but his returns in the previous season were not particularly impressive. With MI looking to rebuild their bowling combination, they could consider releasing the experienced pacer and using the available purse to strengthen other departments.NR 9.25 crore on other departments or try to buy him back for a lower price in the mini auction.

1. Trent Boult

New Zealand left-arm pacer Trent Boult had a difficult IPL 2026 season, managing only two wickets in five appearances while conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.5. Considering his price tag of INR 12.50 crore, those returns represent a significant concern for Mumbai Indians heading into the 2027 auction cycle.

Releasing Boult would free INR 12.50 crore for MI to reinvest elsewhere. With Jasprit Bumrah already leading the pace attack and Arshdeep Singh now added from Punjab Kings, MI have left-arm pace covered without needing to retain Boult. Nevertheless, the decision is not straightforward. Boult played a crucial role in MI's title-winning campaign in 2020, and his return in 2025 yielded 22 wickets.

However, his 2026 numbers make it difficult to justify the expenditure, and multiple analysts have flagged him as a likely release candidate ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction.