The 5+1 retention policy is setting the retention stage for teams in the upcoming IPL auction, as they can retain 5 players before the auction and 1 can go to the auction pool and they can retain via RTM. Or unlike in the past, franchises can now use a total of 6 RTMs at the mega auction table.
For five-time champions Mumbai Indians, the question is, will they retain their big players, or do they have something else in mind? The team didn’t have a good outing last season, and they are surely looking to make a turnaround. Now, the franchise has the opportunity to use RTM cards from 0 to 6, depending on how many players they retain directly.
If we assume that they retain players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, then which players can they target using RTM? See the list of 3 players they can go for via RTM.
Players MI can target via RTM in IPL 2025 auction
Hardik Pandya
Can MI go back to Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder, in the first place rather than putting him in RTM? What will happen if he doesn’t get picked in the first round and MI decides to use him as an RTM candidate? This could be possible, as Hardik Pandya, who joined the team last time as captain, didn’t have a good outing, resulting in the team finishing last. However, he redeemed himself later by performing exceptionally for India in the shorter format, making things interesting.
It is highly debatable how things will change in the MI camp, especially since a turnaround has already started to happen. We saw how the head coach changed, with Mahela Jayawardene now in charge. Also MI has a history of experimentation, and while nothing is confirmed yet, but we can expect some changes.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan, who is currently out of the Indian team and looking to make a mark, has been performing well in the last few games in domestic cricket. However, the chance of him being among MI’s first 5 players seems unlikely since MI already has a star-studded lineup, including players like Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, whom the Mumbai Indians will likely prioritize.
There’s no doubt that Kishan is an asset for MI, providing both batting and wicketkeeping abilities. Although the last few seasons didn’t end well for him, he had a strong start but couldn’t capitalize on it. For now, if he gets back into the squad, MI could consider him, but not on the first-choice list.
Arjun Tendulkar
This emerging left-arm pacer could also be a candidate to return to MI via RTM, as Arjun Tendulkar’s inclusion in the first pack for MI looks difficult. Similar scenario exists like Ishan Kishan in this case, as the team will likely focus on setting their base by retaining big players first.
Since the team has to get at least one uncapped player, they have options like Akash Madhwal and Anshul Kamboj, both of whom performed really well and have a good chance of getting back into the team.
But If they don’t opt for these players, Arjun Tendulkar could be a valuable in the mix, providing both batting and bowling options. He has a decent domestic record with the bat, but it’s primarily his bowling that makes him a good fit for MI in the IPL. He has taken 3 wickets in 5 games with a respectable economy rate of 9.37.
