3 IPL Releases That Proved Costly For Mumbai Indians

MI-reject Tim David has been a game-changer for RCB [Source: AP, AFP]

Mumbai Indians have had a torrid run in IPL 2026. Led by Hardik Pandya, the five-time champions are on the verge of an embarrassing group-stage elimination, having lost seven out of their first nine matches. 

Although MI are mathematically alive in the IPL 2026, the chances of MI's knockout qualification are bleak, as several teams- Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings- are significantly ahead of them in the playoff race. 

Mumbai Indians' drastic downfall in a nutshell

The IPL trophy has eluded Mumbai Indians ever since Rohit Sharma led them to their fifth title in 2020. 

The decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as the captain hasn't really worked wonders for the franchise, with the veteran allrounder leading them to 22 defeats across 37 matches. 

While Pandya's captaincy stint has indeed been disastrous, the MI's management's failure to manage the resources once they had is one of the key reasons behind their exponential downfall. 

In this article, we throw light on three such valuable assets who could've changed MI's fate in the IPL had the franchise entrusted them with bold retentions. 

3 IPL releases that backfired on Mumbai Indians

1. Tim David

(Tim David's performance for RCB after leaving MI)

Tim David was a part of the MI IPL squad from 2022 to 2024. However, despite David's impressive performance (658 runs at a strike rate of 171.35), he failed to make it into the Mumbai Indians' retention list. 

The swashbuckling Australian finisher joined RCB and has been a prolific performer for them. David has played some incredible knocks for the defending champions, establishing himself as a proven match-winner. 

Also Read: Mahela Jayawardene Breaks Silence On Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma And Jasprit Bumrah's Lean Patch

On the other hand, MI have failed to assemble a potent finishing department after releasing Tim David. 

Hardik Pandya's homecoming hasn't been as smooth as he would've liked, while the likes of Sherfane Rutherford and Mitchell Santner have blown hot and cold in limited opportunities. 

Therefore, David's presence could have certainly strengthened MI's batting unit, as the five-time champions struggled to finish on a high note in IPL 2026. 

2. Jofra Archer

English fast bowler Jofra Archer became a part of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2022 auction. Although he was supposed to lead the MI pace attack with Jasprit Bumrah, Archer's fitness issues played a pivotal role in his exit from the team. 

However, the seasoned campaigner has upped his performance ever since shifting his base to Rajasthan Royals. 

Archer has showcased incredible form for RR this season, scalping 15 wickets in ten outings at a strike rate of 14. 

On the other hand, MI's pace department has looked lacklustre, with neither Jasprit Bumrah nor Trent Boult making an impact in the first six-over phase. As a result, the opponents have got solid starts more often than not, hampering their chances of winning crucial moments. 

3. Anshul Kamboj

Indian pacer Anshul Kamboj joined the MI IPL squad ahead of the 2024 season. He didn't get many games for the team, eventually being left out of the squad before the 2025 auction. 

The right-arm pacer had shown promising signs for Mumbai Indians; therefore, Chennai Super Kings signed him when he was released to the auction pool by their arch-rivals. 

Kamboj gradually evolved himself into a match-winner, as CSK reaped the rewards of securing his services in time. In the IPL 2026, the 25-year-old has bagged 17 wickets, staking a strong claim for the prestigious purple cap. 

Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, formed a depleted pace attack, comprising Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur, who are at the twilight of their careers. 

So, had they trusted Kamboj instead of spending a whopping 11.25 crore on these two players, the results could've been different for them in the IPL 2026 season. 

Also Read: RCB Players Leave India Amid IPL 2026; Fly To Another Country For Mid-Season Break