The IPL retention deadline is just days away. But even before it arrives, there is plenty of activity among the franchises, with new updates coming almost every day. The latest report concerns Mumbai Indians, one of the IPL’s most successful teams and five-time champions.
Their performances over the past five years, however, have largely fallen short of expectations. That is why the franchise is now looking at major changes.
An earlier report suggested that a trade involving Hardik Pandya moving to Punjab Kings, with Arshdeep Singh and Vishnu Vinod joining Mumbai Indians, had been agreed in principle. An official announcement is still awaited.
Now, Mumbai Indians are reportedly preparing to release three prominent players: Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar and Quinton de Kock.
Trent Boult’s place under threat as Mumbai Indians target Arshdeep
Boult had been an effective bowler before last season, but his lack of impact in IPL 2026 appears to have put his place under pressure.
The left-arm pacer took just two wickets in five matches, with a bowling average of 94 and an economy rate of 11.62. His best figures were 1/41.
Mumbai Indians need a left-arm fast bowler who can take wickets, which explains their reported interest in Arshdeep. If that trade goes through, it would give them a replacement in the same role and strengthen the case for releasing Boult.
Deepak Chahar could be released and bought back for less
Chahar has not delivered the returns Mumbai Indians expected when they signed him at a high auction price. His domestic performances have also been a concern.
In IPL 2026, he claimed eight wickets in eight matches, averaging 33.12 with an economy rate of 10.39. His best bowling figures were 2/33.
The reported plan is to release Chahar and consider buying him back if he becomes available at a lower price. Mumbai could therefore still keep him in their plans while reducing the amount committed to him. That approach would depend on how much interest he attracts at the auction.
Quinton de Kock faces release as batting plans change
The third name is Quinton de Kock, whom Mumbai Indians brought back at his base price ahead of last season to strengthen their wicketkeeping options.
De Kock scored 132 runs in three matches in IPL 2026, averaging 66 at a strike rate of 162.96. His highest score was an unbeaten 112.
His potential release appears to be linked to the team’s preferred combination. Ryan Rickelton’s success has changed Mumbai’s requirements, while the franchise is also reportedly considering Will Jacks for a top-order role.
In that setup, Mumbai may decide against keeping another overseas wicketkeeper-batter. The proposed arrival of Vishnu Vinod would give them an Indian wicketkeeping option, further explaining why de Kock could be released.
The reported direction is clear: Mumbai want a wicket-taking left-arm pacer, could retain access to Chahar at a lower cost, and are reconsidering their overseas batting options. Those plans would leave the three experienced players with a reduced role in the squad ahead of the retention deadline.
